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,*(?»  -to    <-Trf»-A,i JK 


Agricultural  Experiment  Station 


BULLETIN  No.  122 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF 
HORSES  AND  MULES 


BY  RUFUS  C.  OBRECHT 


URBANA,  ILLINOIS,  JANUARY,   1908 


SUMMARY  OF  BULLETIN  No.  122. 

1.  To  form  an  intelligent  estimate  on  the  value  of  horses  or  mules,  one 
should  have  a  thorough  understanding  of  the  market  requirements  together  with 
a  correct  understanding  of  the  market  classes  and  grades. 

2.  The  principal    factors   that   determine   the   market   value   of   horses   or 
mules  are :    Soundness,  conformation,  quality,  condition,  action,  age,  color,  edu- 
cation, and  general  appearance. 

3.  Horses  or  mules  of  a  general  type  are  grouped  into  classes,  for  conveni- 
ence and  a  definite  understanding ;  and  in  most  instances  the  names  of  the  classes 
are  suggestive  of  the  use  to  which  they  are  put.    The  classes  of  horses  are  di- 
vided into  sub-classes  which  embody  those  of  a  similar  type  but  slightly  different 
in  size,  weight,  action,  or.  the  use  to  which  they  are  put.    Mules  are  not  divided 
into  sub-classes. 

4.  The  market  classes  are:    Draft  horses,  chunks,  wagon  horses,  carriage 
horses,  road  horses,  saddle  horses,  mining  mules,  cotton  mules,  sugar  mules, 
fa-rm  mules  and  draft  mules. 

HORSES. — DRAFT  HORSES  are  broad,  massive,  rugged,  and  compactly  built 
with  great  weight  and  strength.  They  stand  from  15-3  to  17-2  hands  high  and 
in  good  flesh  weigh  from  1600  to  2200  pounds  or  more.  The  class  is  subdivided 
into  light  draft,  heavy  draft,  and  loggers. 

CHUNKS  are  short-legged,  broad,  heavy  set  horses,  the  name  of  the  class 
being  indicative  of  their  conformation.  The  sub-classes  are  eastern  or  export, 
farm,  and  southern.  The  class  varies  in  weight  from  800  pounds,  the  lightest 
of  the  southern,  to  1550  pounds,  the  heaviest  of  the  eastern.  They  stand  from 
15  to  15-3  hands  high. 

WAGON  HORSES  are  those  used  principally  where  business  'requires  quick 
delivery.  They  must  have  good  action,  a  clean  set  of  limbs,  good  feet  and  bone 
with  an  abundance  of  quality,  be  closely  coupled,  compactly  built  and  have  a  deep 
broad  chest  indicative  of  constitution  and  stamina.  In  this  class  are  express,  de- 
livery wagon,  artillery  and  fire  horses.  They  stand  from  15  to  17-2  hands  high 
and  weigh  from  1050  for  the  light  weights  of  artillery  horses  to  1700  pounds  for 
heavy  fire  horses. 

CARRIAGE  HORSES,  sometimes  spoken  of  as  "heavy  harness  horses,"  are  full 
made,  round  bodied  and  smoothly  turned  with  an  unusual  amount  of  quality  and 
must  possess  to  a  marked  degree  high  action,  with  a  fair  amount  of  speed.  They 
should  have  a  long  well  arched  neck,  small  neat  head,  a  short  well  muscled  back, 
long  level  croup,  and  well  developed  thighs  and  quarters.  The  class  is  comprised 
of  coach,  cob,  park,  and  cab  horses.  They  range  in  height  from  14-1  to  16-1 
hands  and  weigh  from  900  to  1250  pounds. 

ROAD  HORSES  are  more  lithe  in  build  and  angular  in  form  than  those  of  the 
carriage  class.  They  are  sometimes  spoken  of  as  drivers  or  "light  harness  horses" 
and  are  usually  driven  to  light-weight  vehicles.  A  considerable  speed  is  desired 
of  some  of  the  individuals  of  this  class  which  is  composed  of  runabout  and  road- 
sters. They  range  in  height  from  14-3  to  16  hands  and  weigh  from  900  to 
1150  pounds. 

SADDLE  HORSES.  In  this  class  are  grouped  those  horses  that  perform  their 
work  under  the  saddle,  the  requirements  for  which  are  sureness  of  foot,  ease  of 
carriage  to  the  rider,  good  manners,  and  ease  of  control.  In  order  to  be  sure 
of  foot  they  must  have  an  oblique  shoulder,  high  thin  withers  and  a  properly 
set  pastern  with  an  abundance  of  energy.  The  above  qualities  together  with  a 


short  strong  back  will  give  strength  for  carrying  weight  and  also  an  easy  gait. 
The  minimum  height  is  14  hands  for  a  polo  pony  and  the  maximum  16-1  hands 
for  hunters.  The  weight  varies  from  850  to  1250  pounds.  Grouped  in  this  class 
are  five  gaited  saddlers,  three  gaited  saddlers,  hunters,  cavalry  horses,  and  polo 
ponies. 

MULES. — MINING  MULES  are  those  purchased  with  which  to  operate  mines. 
They  are  heavy  boned,  rugged,  compactly  built  individuals,  with  lafge  feet  and 
strong  constitution.  They  range  in  height  from  12  to  16  hands  and  weigh  from 
600  to  1350  pounds. 

COTTON  MULES  are  lighter  boned  than  miners  and  not  so  compactly  built. 
They  are  round  bodied,  smoothly  turned  and  possess  considerable  quality.  They 
range  in  height  from  13-2  to  15-2  hands  and  weigh  from  750  to  noo  pounds. 

SUGAR  MULES  are  those  shipped  south  to  use  on  the  sugar  farms  of  Georgia, 
Louisiana  and  other  southern  states.  They  are  taller,  larger,  and  more  breedy 
looking  than  cotton  mules  and  have  heavier  bone.  They  stand  from  16  to  17 
hands  and  weigh  from  1150  to  1300  pounds. 

FARM  MULES  are  those  purchased  to  be  used  on  the  farms  of  the  central 
states.  They  are  somewhat  lacking  in  uniformity  of  type  and  many  of  them 
are  young  and  somewhat  thin  in  flesh.  An  average  height  is  from  15-2  to  16 
hands  and  weigh  from  900  to  1250  pounds. 

DRAFT  MULES  are  large  heavy  boned,  heavy  set  mules  that  possess  quality 
and  ruggedness.  They  are  used  in  cities  for  heavy  teaming  and  by  contractors 
for  all  kinds  of  heavy  work,  such  as  railroad  grading,  etc.  They  range  in  height 
from  16  to  17-2  hands  and  weigh  from  1200  to  1600  pounds  and  upwards. 

5.  The  grades  distinguish  the  good  from  the  poor  animals  within  the  classes 
and  sub-classes.    The  grades  are  choice,  good,  medium,  common  and  inferior. 

An  animal  to  grade  as  "choice"  must  be  sound  and  approach  the  ideal  type, 
possess  quality  and  finish,  have  good  style  and  action  and  be  in  good  condition. 
A  "good"  animal  should  possess  the  essential  qualities  of  his  class  but  need  not 
have  the  quality,  condition  and  finish  necessary  to  grade  as  choice.  A  horse  or 
mule  of  "medium"  grade  is  likely  to  be  plain  in  his  make-up  with  a  tendency 
toward  coarseness,  and  somewhat  of  a  lack  of  symmetry  and  condition.  A  lack  of 
style,  action  or  soundness  may  also  cause  him  to  grade  as  medium.  The  lowest 
grade  found  in  many  of  the  classes  is  "common."  Such  individuals  are  wanting 
in  most  of  the  essential  qualities  that  go  to  make  them  desirable.  An  "inferior" 
animal  is  of  the  lowest  possible  grade. 

6.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  point  where  two  classes  or  grades  meet  and 
merge  into  each  other  is  not  always  distinct,  it  is  sometimes  difficult  to  say  just 
where  certain  animals  that  are  not  clearly  typical  should  be  classified.     Again, 
if  the  demand  exceeds  the  supply  it  is  sometimes,  necessary  to  temporarily  draw 
from  a  similar  class  of  animals,  or  the  price  may  advance  and  in  this  way  equal- 
ize the  demand.     If,  on  account  of  a  meager  demand  or  an  excess  supply  the 
price  should  drop,  it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  place  some  animals  of  one  class 
in  another,  i.  e.,  they  will  be  purchased  by  a  different  class  of  trade. 

7.  The  breed  to  which  a  horse  belongs  has  but  little  influence  upon  his 
market  value  and  the  classes  are  not  determined  by  the  breeds,  but  by  the  indi- 
viduality and  conformation  of  the  horse;    however,  a  judicious  use  of  choice 
pure-bred  sires  is  best  suited  for  the  production  of  marketable  horses. 


SUMMARIZED  STATEMENT  OF  MARKET  CLASSES  WITH  LIMITS  IN  HEIGHT  AND 
WEIGHT. 


CLASSES  . 

SUB-CLASSES. 

HEIGHT 
HANDS. 

WEIGHT 
POUNDS. 

r  Light  Draft  

15  3  to  16  2 

1600  to  1750 

DRAFT  HORSES. 

Heavy  Draft  

16       to  17-2 

1750  to  2200 

i  Loererers.  .  . 

16-1  to  17-2 

1700  to  2200 

CHUNKS. 

'  Eastern  and  Export     ) 
Chunks  j 

Farm  Chunks  

15       to  16 
15       to  15-3 

1300  to  1550 
1200  to  1400 

, 

Southern  Chunks  

15      to  15-3 

800  to  1250 

-  Expressers  

15-3  to  16-2 

1350  to  1500 

• 

Delivery  Wagon  

15      to  16 

1100  to  1400 

WAGON  HORSES.        H 

Artillery  Horses  

15  1  to  16 

1050  to  1200 

-  Fire  Horses  

15      to  17-2 

1200  to  1700 

'  Coach  

15  1  to  16-1 

1100  to  1250 

Cobs  

14-1  to  15-1 

900  to  1150 

CARRIAGE  HORSES.  < 

Park  Horses  

15      to  15-3 

1000  to  1150 

^  Cab  

15-2  to  16-1 

1050  to  1200 

14  3  to  15  2 

900  to  1050 

ROAD  HORSES. 

[  Roadster  

15      to  16 

900  to  1150 

SADDLE  HORSES. 

'  Five  Gaited  Saddler  .  .  . 

Three  Gaited  )  Light    ) 
Saddler  j  Heavy  ) 

(Light     i 
Hunters  <  Middle  >  

15      to  16 
14-3  to  16 

15  2  to  16  1 

900  to  1200 
900  to  1200 

1000  to  1250 

(  Heavy  ) 

15      to  15-3 

950  to  1100 

14      to  14-2 

850  to  1000 

MINING  MULES 

12      to  16 

600  to  1350 

COTTON  MULES 

13-2  to  15  2 

750  to  1100 

SUGAR  MULES 

16      to  17 

1150  to  1300 

FARM  MULES 

15-2  to  16 

900  to  1259 

DRAFT  MULES  

16      to  17-2 

1200  to  1600 

MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF 
HORSES  AND  MULES 

BY  R.  C.  OBRECHT,  ASSISTANT  CHIEF  IN  HORSE  HUSBANDRY 

PART  I 

MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES 

Introduction 

The  establishing  of  open  markets  where  horses  are  bought  and 
sold  as  a  commercial  commodity  at  values  regulated  by  demand 
and  supply  has  exerted  a  marked  influence  in  stimulating  the  horse 
breeding  industry  in  the  United  States.  However,  on  visiting  the 
large  markets  where  thousands  of  horses  are  sold  annually,  it  is  ap- 
parent that  the  majority  of  horses  which  find  their  way  to  these 
markets  do  not  approach  the  degree  of  perfection  demanded  by  the 
intending  purchaser. 

The  present  quality  of  offerings  reaching  the  market  may  be 
accounted  for  in  several  ways :  First,  in  most  instances  the  market 
has  been  of  secondary  importance  or  entirely  disregarded  by  horse 
breeders  while  it  should  receive  more  consideration  as  it  does  with 
breeders  of  meat  producing  animals.  Not  many  of  the  horses  found 
on  the  market  are  bred  expressly  for  the  market,  but  for  other  pur- 
poses, such  as  use  on  the  farm  or  on  the  road,  and  when  no  longer 
needed  there,  the  market  is  sought  as  a  possible  place  of  disposal 
without  regard  as  to  whether  or  not  they  are  what  the  trade  de- 
mands. Second,  the  horse  market  is  quite  a  recent  institution, — 
more  so  than  the  market  for  meat  producing  animals.  The  market, 
in  a  way,  is  the  place  where  standards  are  set,  and  the  present  stand- 
ards for  a  marketable  horse  are  quite  different,  in  some  respects, 
from  those  prior  to  the  opening  of  horse  markets.  Third,  the  market 
classes  have  not  been  well  understood  by  the  farmers  and  as  a  result 
many  of  them  are  groping  in  the  dark,  working  towards  false  stand- 
ards. It  is  often  true  that  an  unscrupulous  stallion  owner  who  is  look- 
ing for  business,  or  a  country  dealer  who  has  an  "'ax  to  grind"  is  re- 
sponsible for  this  condition.  Fourth,  many  breeders  resort  to  a 
constant  mixing  of  different  breeds  which  often  results  in  produc- 
ing horses  lacking  in  uniformity  and  quality.  This  mixing  of 

93 


94  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

breeds  may  be  due  to  the  fact  that  certain  stallions  are  more  acces- 
sible than  others,  or  to  the  lack  of  definite  ideals,  or  to  the  lack  of 
definite  understanding  of  the  fundamental  principles  of  breeding. 

Importance  of  Market  Classification 

This  bulletin  is  the  result  of  an  investigation  by  the  writer,  of 
the  Chicago  and  St.  Louis  horse  markets  which  are  similar  to  other 
markets  of  note.  Grateful  acknowledgment  is  here  made  to  com- 
mission firms,  buyers,  shippers,  exporters,  and  to  the  reporters  of 
the  agricultural  journals,  to  the  officials  of  the  Union  Stock  Yards, 
of  Chicago,  and  the  National  Stock  Yards,  of  East  St.  Louis,  for 
the  opportunties  afforded  and  the  courtesies  extended.  The  cuts  used 
herein  were  made  from  photographs,  the  most  of  which  were  taken 
expressly  for  the  purpose,  to  assist  in  conveying  correct  ideas  of  the 
different  market  classes  and  types  of  horses. 

This  bulletin  has  been  written  with  the  feeling  that  market 
classes  of  horses  are  not  well  understood,  and  with  the  belief  that 
a  clear  setting  forth  of  true  market  standards  will  do  much  toward 
establishing  correct  ideals  on  the  part  of  the  horse  breeder  and  pro- 
ducer. A  correct  understanding  of  the  market  classes  will  enable 
the  farmer  to  form  a  better  estimate  of  the  value  of  the  horses  which 
he  has  to  sell ;  for  without  this  the  farmer  is  at  a  decided  disadvant- 
age in  selling  his  horses,  not  knowing  their  real  market  value.  In 
this  way  he  may  fail  to  get  what  his  horses  are  worth  or  he  may  lose 
a  sale  by  asking  too  much.  Again  it  often  happens  that  he  fails 
to  distinguish  clearly  between  his  good  and  his  poor  marketable  ani- 
mals. As  a  result  the  dealer  takes  the  desirable  ones  at  a  good  profit 
and  leaves  the  undesirable;  thus  the  inferior  horses  are  left  in  the 
country  to  become  the  parent  stock. 

Few  breeders  can  follow  their  consignments  to  market  and  so  be- 
come familiar  with  actual  market  demands.  As  most  of  the  horses 
that  reach  the  markets  are  handled  by  dealers  who  make  a  business 
of  buying  in  the  country  and  shipping,  the  breeder  may  never  know 
how  well  he  has  succeeded  in  producing  a  marketable  horse  that 
will  command  a  high  price.  It  is  hoped  that  this  bulletin  will  em- 
phasize the  importance  of  the  producers'  understanding  the  horse 
market  and  cause  breeders  to  make  a  careful  study  of  the  market 
requirements  and  demands.  It  is  hoped,  too,  that  it  will  also  assist 
in  bringing  about  a  more  uniform  and  thorough  method  of  report- 
ing the  market  by  agricultural  journals ;  and  finally,  that  it  will  en- 
courage the  reader  to  familiarize  himself  with  the  classes  and  the 


/po5.]  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES.  95 

vernacular  of  the  horse  market,  thus  rendering  the  reports  of  more 
value  to  him. 

It  may  be  stated  at  the  outset  that  horses  cannot  be  classified 
as  wood,  stone,  or  any  inert  matter  that  has  definite  dimensions 
and  qualities,  but  the  classifications  must  be  based  on  their  general 
conformation,  height,  weight,  style,  and  action.  In  view  of  these 
facts  and  owing  to  varying  opinions  among  those  who  have  to  do 
with  the  horse  markets,  the  limits  of  classification  are  somewhat 
variable.  Not  all  the  market  classes  are  well  defined  and  the  point 
where  two  classes  meet  and  merge  into  each  other  is  not  always 
distinct,  so  it  is  sometimes  difficult  to  say  just  where  the  one  stops 
and  the  other  begins.  Owing  to  the  conditions  governing  the  de- 
mand and  supply,  it  may  be  necessary  temporarily  to  draw  from  a 
similar  class  of  animals  to  fill  a  pressing  demand  or,  if  the  supply 
exceeds  the  demand,  then  the  price  may  drop,  thus  putting  the  least 
typical  of  one  class  into  another. 

Market  Requirements 

The  factors  that  determine  how  well  horses  sell  upon  the  market 
are :  Soundness,  conformation,  quality,  condition,  action,  age,  color, 
education,  and  general  appearance.  The  requirements  placed  upon 
the  above  factors  together  with  minor  considerations  are  discussed 
below. 

Soundness. — To  meet  the  market  demand,  a  horse  should  be 
serviceably  sound,  by  which  is  meant  one  that  is  as  good  as  a 
sound  horse  so  far  as  sendee  is  concerned  and  able  to  do  a  reason- 
able amount  of  work  without  undue  fatigue  or  indications  of  a  pre- 
mature break-down.  He  may  have  slight  blemishes,  but  nothing  is 
permitted  that  is  likely  to  cause  lameness  or  soreness  in  any  way. 
He  must  be  good  in  wind  and  eyes,  but  may  have  small  splints  and 
puffs,  and  a  little  rounding  on  the  curb  joint.  Broken  wind,  thick 
wind,  side  bones,  unsound  hocks  such  as  curbs,  spavins,  and  thor- 
oughpins,  large  splints,  and  buck  knees  are  discriminated  against. 

Conformation. — If  a  horse  is  to  do  hard  work  with  a  minimum 
amount  of  wear  and  give  the  longest  possible  period  of  service  he 
must  possess  a  conformation  indicative  of  strength,  endurance,  and 
longevity,  the  indications  of  which  are, — good  feet,  a  good  consti- 
tution, good  feeding  qualities,  good  bone,  and  symmetry  of  confor- 
mation. For  city  use  too  much  emphasis  can  hardly  be  placed 
upon  the  requirement  of  good  feet,  for  the  old  adage  "No  foot,  no 
horse"  is  still  true;  but  in  horses  for  farm  use  it  is  not  so  important 
as  they  rarely  break  down  in  the  feet.  A  good  constitution  denotes 


96  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

health  and  endurance  which  is  indicated  by  a  deep,  capacious  chest 
giving  sufficient  room  for  well  developed  vital  organs.  Endurance 
is  also  evidenced  by  the  indications  of  a  good  feeder,  which  are  a 
short  well  muscled  back  and  loins,  a  deep  barrel  with  no  tucking  up 
of  the  rear  flank,  and  closely  coupled  (coupling  is  the  distance  from 
the  last  rib  to  the  hip.)  A  good  bone  should  have  enough  weight 
to  correspond  with  the  size  of  the  horse ;  it  should  be  of  good  qual- 
ity and  must  not  be  unduly  small  at  knee  or  hock.  Symmetry  of 
form  is  necessary  for  strength,  correct  proportions,  and  perfect 
development. 

In  order  that  there  may  not  be  an  undue  amount  of  concussion 
which  would  produce  soreness  or  disease  and  render  the  period  of 
usefulness  of  the  horse  short,  he  should  have  an  oblique  shoulder, 
a  rather  short  cannon,  a  moderately  long  pastern  set  at  an  angle  of 
about  45  degrees.  The  hind  pastern  should  be  less  oblique  than 
the  front  pastern  with  no  tendency  toward  a  conformation  known 
as  "coon  footed"  (long  and  very  low  pasterns.)  The  foot  should 
be  of  good  size,  the  horn  dense,  the  heel  wide  and  high,  permitting 
a  large  healthy  frog  to  serve  as  a  cushion  in  breaking  concussion. 
Side  bones  are  an  unsoundness  found  most  commonly  on  heavy 
horses.  They  are  more  often  found  on  a  horse  with  a  straight 
shoulder,  a  short,  straight  pastern,  and  a  narrow  hoof  head,  as 
horsemen  would  say,  "a  post  leg  that  produces  stilted  action."  Since 
the  forequarters  or  front  limbs  of  a  horse  carry  the  greater  part  of 
the  horse's  weight  they  are  often  termed  the  "weight  carriers,"  and 
the  hind  quarters  the  "propellers."  Because  of  this  fact  the  set 
of  the  shoulder,  pastern,  and  foot  is  of  great  importance  and 
should  possess  enough  obliquity  to  give  a  free,  easy  movement  to 
the  action.  The  width  of  the  hips  should  be  in  keeping  with  the 
other  parts  of  the  horse,  but  not  prominent.  The  croup  should  be 
long,  well  muscled  and  not  too  drooping.  The  seriousness  of  the 
objection  to  a  drooping  croup  will  depend  upon  the  class,  but  in  any 
class  it  is  unsightly  and  detracts  from  the  value  of  the  horse.  The 
tail  should  be  set  high,  well  haired  and  stylishly  carried.  The 
quarters  and  thighs  should  be  heavily  muscled  according  to  the 
class  to  which  the  horse  belongs ;  the  hocks  large,  strong,  and  free 
from  puffs  or  any  unsoundness;  the  cannon  short  and  broad,  the 
tendons  and  ligaments  prominent  and  well  defined.  There  should 
be  no  tying-in  of  the  tendons  below  the  knee  or  hock,  because  it 
gives  a  light  appearance  to  the  bone.  The  head  should  be  of  mod- 
erate size  with  clean  cut  features;  large,  mild  eyes;  ears  rather 
small  and  set  not  too  far  apart.  The  head  should  be  properly  set 


/po<?.]  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES.  97 

on  a  neck  of  moderate  length  with  a  rather  thin,  well  developed 
crest.  A  large  horse  with  a  small  head  is  almost  as  unsightly  as  a 
small  horse  with  a  large  one.  A  long-legged,  narrow-chested,  wasp- 
waisted,  loose-ribbed,  long-coupled  horse  is  always  to  be  avoided 
and  is  a  cheap  animal  on  the  market.  The  different  classes  possess 
special  requirements  of  conformation  which  will  be  discussed  in  de- 
tail elsewhere  in  this  bulletin. 

Quality. — Quality  in  a  horse  is  of  prime  importance.  This  term 
when  applied  to  horses  has  reference  to  their  bones,  skin,  hair,  and 
muscles.  Its  presence  is  shown  by  clean  cut  features  of  the  head; 
firm,  clean  bone ;  tendons  well  defined ;  close  fitting  glove-like  skin ; 
hair  fine  and  silky ;  an  abundance  of  finish ;  and  absence  of  coarse- 
ness, but  not  necessarily  a  small  bone.  When  slightly  exerted  the 
skin  will  show  clearly  an  intricate  net  work  of  veins.  Coarse  hair 
is  usually  associated  with  a  coarse  skin  and  a  soft  spongy  bone  which 
is  weak  and  subject  to  disease.  With  quality  the  muscles  stand  out 
prominently  and  are  clearly  defined  which  aids  in  giving  a  horse 
finish.  Quality  is  a  strong  indication  of  the  extent  of  a  horse's  en- 
durance. These  two  characteristics  are  closely  associated  and  a 
horse  lacking  in  quality  is  comparatively  a  cheap  animal. 

Condition. — To  be  appreciated  on  the  market  horses  must  be 
in  good  condition,  carrying  a  thick  covering  of  firm  flesh  and  pos- 
sessing a  good  coat  of  hair  which  gives  them  a  sleek  appearance. 
Condition  is  most  important  in  heavy  horses  such  as  draft  horses, 
chunks  and  wagon.  Some  men  are  making  good  profits  by  buying 
feeders  on  the  market  and  shipping  them  to  the  country  to  be  put  in 
condition,  after  which  they  are  reshipped  and  resold.  Whether  or  not 
this  added  flesh  increases  the  animal's  real  value  for  utility  and 
longevity  is  not  necessary  to  consider  here;  since  the  market  de- 
mands it,  the  producer  can  well  afford  to  supply  it.  Careful  esti- 
mates on  the  value  of  horse  flesh  made  by  reliable  authorities,  put 
it  at  25  cents  per  pound  on  heavy  horses  weighing  1500  pounds  and 
upward.  This  fact  has  been  verified  by  an  experiment  in  fatten- 
ing horses  for  market  conducted  at  this  station.  It  can  readily  be 
seen  that  the  producer  cannot  afford  to  let  some  one  else  reap  this 
profit. 

Action. — The  action  of  a  horse  is  not  of  equal  importance  in 
all  classes.  There  is  probably  no  other  one  thing  that  counts  for 
more  in  bringing  high  prices  in  the  carriage,  road,  and  saddle 
classes  than  action.  In  the  other  classes  it  does  not  count  for  so 
much,  but  every  horse  should  have  good  action.  He  should  be  a 
straight  line  mover,  picking  his  front  feet  up  and  carrying  them 


98  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

straight  forward,  placing  them  down  again  without  winging  out  or 
in,  or  interfering.  The  hind  feet  should  follow  in  the  line  of  the 
front  feet,  and  work  in  unison  without  "interfering,"  "hitching," 
"cross-firing,"  or  "forging."  The  action  should  be  strong,  bold  and 
full  of  energy ;  the  form  and  height  of  action  will  depend  upon  the 
class  to  which  the  horse  belongs.  This  subject  will  be  taken  up  more 
fully  under  various  classes. 

Age. — Horses  sell  best  from  five  to  eight  years  old,  depending 
upon  the  class,  maturity,  and  soundness.  Heavy  horses  such  as 
draft  and  chunks  sell  best  from  five  to  seven  years  old,  but  a  well 
matured  four-year-old  in  good  condition  will  find  ready  sale.  Car- 
riage, saddle,  and  road  horses  sell  better  with  a  little  more  age 
because  they  do  not  mature  so  early  and  their  education  is  not  com- 
pleted as  young  as  with  heavy  horses.  They  are  most  desired  from 
five  to  eight  years  old. 

Color. — As  a  rule  the  color  of  horses  is  not  an  important  re- 
quirement if  they  possess  individual  excellence.  Almost  any  solid 
color  is  not  objected  to  on  the  market  unless  it  is  by  a  purchaser 
who  has  a  special  order  to  fill.  However,  more  discrimination  is 
made  against  color  in  light  horses  than  in  heavy  horses.  The  rea- 
son for  this  is  that  the  one  is  for  business  and  utility  purposes,  while 
the  other  is  principally  for  dress  and  pleasure.  There  is  also  more 
discrimination  made  in  color  of  animals  that  grade  as  choice  than 
there  is  in  those  that  grade  as  medium  and  good.  All  solid  colors 
except  white  are  in  good  demand,  while  a  "flea-bitten  gray,"  a 
"mealy  bay"  or  one  that  will  fade  or  "wash  out"  is  not  desirable. 
Choice  steel  gray,  dapple  gray,  and  strawberry  roan  horses  of  the 
draft,  eastern  chunk  and  wagon  horse  classes  are  in  strong  demand 
from  showmen,  packers,  brewers,  wholesale  mercantile  houses,  and 
firms  who  want  their  teams  to  attract  as  much  attention  as  possible 
and  serve  as  a  walking  advertisement.  The  demand  is  good  for 
bays,  browns,  blacks,  chestnuts,  sorrels,  and  roans;  matched  pairs 
sell  better  than  single  horses.  In  the  light  horses,  and  especially 
in  the  carriage  and  saddle  classes,  bays,  browns,  and  chestnuts  sell 
best,  but  a  good  pair  of  well  matched  blacks  or  iron  grays  find  ready 
sale.  In  the  fashionable  trade  a  white  horse  is  not  wanted  except 
for  hearse  purposes  and  to  fill  an  occasional  demand  for  a  cross 
match  coaching  team.  A  more  popular  hearse  horse  is  coal  black 
with  no  white  markings,  and  he  must  also  have  a  long  flowing  tail. 
Occasionally  they  are  accepted  when  slightly  marked  with  white 
which  is  less  objectionable  on  the  hind  feet  than  in  the  face  or  on 
the  front  feet. 


/po5.]  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES.  99 

Education  and  Disposition. — Every  class  calls  for  a  horse  of 
good  disposition  and  well  educated  for  his  work.  If  it  is  a  draft 
horse  he  should  be  a  free  worker  and  a  good  puller,  free  from  vice 
and  bad  habits.  If  it  is  a  carriage  horse  the  requirements  are  the 
same  but  he  should  be  much  better  educated  and  mannered,  and 
should  be  indifferent  to  sights  and  sounds  such  as  cars,  automobiles, 
etc.,  which  frighten  most  horses.  It  is  readily  apparent  that  a  thor- 
ough education  is  much  more  necessary  in  some  classes  of  horses 
than  others,  for  on  the  crowded  city  streets  where  there  are  often 
large  numbers  of  pedestrians  it  is  quite  necessary  and  essential  that 
a  horse  should  "keep  a  level  head."  The  disposition  of  a  branded 
horse  (an  indication  of  a  range  horse)  is  quite  an  important  fac- 
tor; because  when  he  is  sold,  if  he  is  at  all  timid  and  inclined  to  pull 
back  when  a  man  enters  the  stall,  the  buyer  has  the  privilege  of  re- 
fusing him  and  if  refused,  the  horse  must  be  sold  again  as  a  "re- 
ject." 

Sex. — Sex  is  not  of  great  importance  in  the  market;  however, 
geldings  sell  better  than  mares  for  city  use,  as  there  is  some  liabil- 
ity of  mares  being  in  foal,  and  if  not,  the  recurrence  of  heat  is  ob- 
jectionable; but  for  farm  use  and  the  southern  trade,  mares  are 
preferred  because  farmers  buy  horses  with  the  expectation  of 
breeding  them. 

Breed. — The  breed  to  which  a  horse  belongs  has  but  little  in- 
fluence upon  his  market  value  as  long  as  he  has  individual  excel- 
lence ;  possessing  this  he  will  always  find  ready  sale  at  a  good  price. 
Some  buyers,  however,  do  discriminate  against  certain  breeds, 
claiming  that  they  are  more  subject  to  ills  and  lack  stamina;  but 
this  is  likely  to  be  due  to  individuality  more  often  than  to  breed. 
If  a  horse  belongs  to  the  draft  or  chunk  class  (Southern  chunks  ex- 
cepted)  he  is  the  more  appreciated  by  buyers  if  he  shows  evidence  of 
a  predominance  of  draft  blood. 

General  Appearance. — The  general  appearance  of  horses  has 
much  to  do  with  their  market  value.  If  able  to  shape  themselves 
well  in  harness  very  plain  horses  often  make  a  stylish  showing  and 
enchance  their  value  materially.  They  should  be  spirited  and  ener- 
getic, which  generally  comes  from  being  well  fed.  They  should  be 
well  groomed,  the  hair  short  and  sleek,  lying  close  to  the  body  and 
possessing  a  lustre  which  is  indicative  of  thrift.  Clipping  of  the 
foretops  and  limbs  should  not  be  practiced  as  it  is  an  indication 
of  staleness  or  second-hand  horses.  The  presence  of  the  foretop 
and  feather  leaves  no  doubt  as  to  the  freshness  from  the  country. 
An  exporter  remarked  to  the  writer  that  for  foreign  trade  it  de- 


100  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

preciated  a  horse  $25.00  or  more,  to  remove  the  foretop.  The  pull- 
ing of  the  mane  and  docking  of  the  tail  should  not  be  practiced  as 
this  is  the  business  of  the  dealer  who  caters  to  a  certain  class  of 
trade.  The  feet  should  be  in  good  condition, -solid,  and  of  a  good 
length  hoof,  which  is  necessary  to  hold  a  shoe.  It  must  be  perfectly 
evident  that  if  a  dealer  retains  a  horse  until  he  grows  good  feet  be- 
fore being  consigned  to  the  market  he  must  be  bought  correspond- 
ingly cheap  to  recover  this  loss. 

Market  Classes 

A  market  class  is  an  outgrowth  of  a  demand  that  exists  for 
horses  of  a  certain  well  defined,  specified  type,  height,  weight,  con- 
formation, and  action.  If  a  demand  for  a  certain  class  should  cease 
to  exist  then  there  would  no  longer  be  such  a  market  class;  or  if 
there  should  arise  a  new  and  sufficient  demand  for  a  certain  type  of 
horse,  then  there  would  be  created  a  new  class.  The  use  to  which 
they  are  put,  in  a  large  measure,  is  responsible  for  and  determines 
the  different  market  classes.  On  the  Chicago  market,  which  is  the 
largest  horse  market  in  the  world  today,  are  found  six  distinct  mar- 
ket classes,  and  these  classes  are  divided  into  sub-classes  which  are 
again  divided  into  grades.  The  classes  are  draft  horses,  chunks, 
wagon  horses,  carriage  horses,  road  horses,  and  saddle  horses. 

The  class  embodies  groups  of  horses  of  a  general  type,  while  the 
sub-class  is  a  division  of  the  class  and  distinguishes  horses  of  a 
similar  type  but  slightly  different  in  size,  weight  or  use  to  which 
they  are  put.  The  grades  (choice,  good,  medium,  common,  and  in- 
ferior) of  the  various  sub-classes  refer  to  quality,  conformation, 
action,  and  condition,  the  relative  importance  of  which  are  not  the 
same  in  all  classes.  In  draft  horses,  chunks,  and  wagon  horses,  the 
relative  importance  of  the  factors  are  as  in  the  order  named ;  qual- 
ity, conformation,  condition,  style,  and  action ;  while  in  the  carriage, 
road,  and  saddle  horse  classes  quality  is  followed  by  action,  con- 
formation, and  condition.  A  horse  to  grade  as  "choice"  must  ap- 
proach the  ideal  type  of  conformation,  possess  quality  and  finish 
to  a  marked  degree,  have  style  and  action,  be  sound  and  in  good 
condition.  A  "good"  horse  should  possess  the  essential  qualities  of 
his  class  but  need  not  have  the  fineness  of  finish,  quality,  style,  ac- 
tion, and  condition  necessary  to  grade  as  choice.  A  horse  of  "me- 
dium" grade  is  likely  to  be  plain  in  his  make  up  with  a  tendency  to- 
ward coarseness  and  there  is  evidence  of  lack  of  quality,  finish,  and 
symmetry.  In  the  case  of  a  light  horse  it  might  be  his  action  that 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


101 


would  place  him  in  this  grade.  "Common"  is  the  lowest  grade 
found  in  most  of  the  classes.  Such  a  horse  is  wanting  in  most  of 
the  essentials  that  go  to  make  him  desirable.  An  "inferior"  horse, 
as  the  name  indicates,  is  of  the  lowest  grade. 

In  order  to  present  the  matter  of  market  classes  in  as  clear  and 
intelligible  form  as  possible  a  classification  has  been  evolved  as  fol- 
lows: 


CLASSES 


DRAFT  HORSES. 


CHUNKS . 


WAGON  HORSES 


SUB-CLASSES 

(  L,ight  Draft 
•j  Heavy  Draft 
(  Loggers 


f  Eastern  and  Export  Chunks 

\  Farm  Chunks 

I  Southern  Chunks  j 

I"  Express  Horses 
Delivery  Wagr-n  Horses 

Artillery  Horses 

Fire  Hordes 
f  Coach  Horses 


CARRIAGE  HORSES.  Cobs 


Park  Horses 


(  Cab  Horses 


GRADES 

C  Choice 
I  Good 
4  Medium 
I  Common 
[  Inferior 

{Choice 
Good 
Medium 
Common 

f  Choice 
I  Good 
•j  Medium 
j  Common 
[  Inferior 


Choice 

Good 

Medium 

f  Choice 
I  Good 
<}  Medium 
|  Common 
L  Inferior 

(  Choice 
•j  Good 
(  Medium 

|  Choice 
j  Good 

f  Choice 
I  Good 
j  Medium 
[  Common 

Choice 

Good 

Medium 

\  Choice 
\  Good 

f  Choice 
|  Good 
•i  Medium 
j  Common 
I  Inferior 


102 

CLASSES 
ROAD  HORSES 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 

SUBCLASSES 
(  Runabout  Horses 

(  Roadsters 

r 

Five  Gaited  Saddle   Horses 


[January, 


SADDLE  HORSES 


Three  Gaited  (  U 

Heavy 


Saddle  Horse  | 


Hunters 


I  Light 
-j  Middle 
(  Heavy 


Cavalry  Horses 


Polo  Ponies 


FEEDERS 


I 


MISCELLANEOUS 


GRADES 

f  Choice 
I  Good 
1  Medium 
[  Common 

f  Choice 
J  Good 
j  Medium 
[Common 

f  Choice 
I  Good 
j  Medium 
[Common 

f  Choice 
J  Good 
j  Medium 
[  Common 

Choice 

Good 

Medium 

f  Choice 
j  Good 
j  Medium 
[  Common 


(  Light 
RANGE  HORSES  ] 

(  Heavy 


f  Colts 

j   Ones 

<!  Twos 

|  Dry  Stuff 

[  Mares  and  Colts 


There  exists  a  close  resemblance  in  conformation  between  some 
of  the  horses  of  the  draft,  chunk,  and  wagon  horse  classes.  While 
.some  of  the  individuals  of  the  different  classes  are  somewhat  sim- 
ilar yet  each  class  as  a  whole  is  quite  distinct  and  the  reader  should 
not  be  misled  by  a  few  representatives  that  are  not  typical  of  the 
class. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


103 


PLATE  i.     A  GOOD  TYPE  OF  A  LIGHT  DRAFT  HORSE,    BUT  PLAIN  IN  HEAD  AND  A 

-      LITTLE  THIN   IN   FLESH.      HEIGHT   l6-I    HANDS.      WEIGHT  ABOUT   1750  POUNDS. 

Draft  Horses 

Draft  horses,  whose  principle  work  is  to  haul  heavy  loads  at  the 
walk  are  divided  into  three  sub-classes :  Heavy  Draft,  light  Draft 
and  Loggers,  all  of  which  are  much  of  the  same  type.  The  ideal 
Drafter  is  a  rugged,  heavy  set,  compactly  built  horse  with  great 
weight  and  strength.  Strength  and  endurance  are  the  principal 
qualities  sought  and  are  best  secured  by  the  horse  throwing  weight 
into  the  collar  rather  than  by  muscular  exertion  of  the  limbs.  The 
Drafter  should  be  a  broad  massive  individual  with  symmetry  of 
bone  and  muscle,  standing  from  15-3  to  17-2  hands  high  and  in 
good  flesh  weighing  not  less  than  1600  pounds  for  the  lighter  sorts. 
Since  he  does  his  work  by  throwing  weight  into  the  collar  the  heavier 
the  horse,  other  things  being  equal,  the  more  efficient  he  will  be. 
Along  with  weight  he  should  possess  moderately  heavy  bone  with 


104 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


\January, 


quality,  indicating  sufficient  strength  and  substance  to  carry  his 
body  and  not  give  the  appearance  of  being  top  heavy.  His  height 
should  result  from  depth  of  body  rather  than  length  of  leg ;  in  fact 
as  a  rule  the  medium  short  legged  horses  possess  more  endurance 
than  those  with  long  legs.  He  should  be  broad  of  chest  with  a  large 
girth  and  not  cut  up  in  the  flank.  His  legs  should  set  well  under  his 
body,  for  if  they  are  otherwise  and  he  is  very  broad  he  will  likely 
be  inclined  to  roll,  causing  laborious  action.  The  back  and  coupling 
should  be  short  and  the  loin  broad  and  well  muscled,  this  region 
being  the  connecting  link  joining  the  propellers  to  the  weight  car- 
riers. The  hips  should  be  rounding  and  smooth;  the  croup,  long 
and  muscular;  the  quarters,  deep;  the  thighs,  broad;  the  gaskins 
and  cannons  relatively  short.  The  head  should  be  medium  in  size 
and  neatly  set  on  a  neck  of  good  length  with  crest  moderately  heavy 


PLATE  2.  A  CHOICE  HEAVY  DRAFTER  AND  AN  UNDEFEATED  SHOW  HORSE.  FOR 
FOUR  YEARS  A  FIRST  PRIZE  WINNER  AT  THE  INTERNATIONAL  LlVE  STOCK  SHOW 
AT  CHICAGO.  NOTE  HIS  RUGGEDNESS  AND  GREAT  SIZE  COMBINED  WITH  QUALITY 
AND  BEAUTY  OF  FINISH.  A  TRIFLE  LESS  LENGTH  OF  BACK  AND  A  LITTLE  LONGER 
CROUP  WOULD  ADD  TO  HIS  APPEARANCE.  HEIGHT  IJ-2  HANDS.  WEIGHT  2390 
POUNDS.  PHOTO  BY  COURTESY  OF  BREEDER'S  GAZETTE. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


105 


and  well  developed.  The  ideal  conformation  of  the  draft  horse  will 
vary  somewhat  according  to  the  market  under  consideration.  Eu- 
ropean markets,  especially  British  markets,  want  a  more  upstand- 
ing Draft  horse  with  a  longer  neck  than  is  demanded  by  American 
markets.  New  York  being  a  great  shipping  port,  demands  larger 
and  more  upstanding  horses  than  any  other  city  in  the  United 
States.  This  is  because  of  the  large  wagons  used  and  heavy  load- 
ing for  the  docks.  The  large  amount  of  business  ,done  and  the  long 
waits  necessary  to  be  made  before  a  place  can  be  had  at  the  docks  to 
unload,  have  caused  merchants  to  adopt  the  use  of  heavy  wagons, 
and  it  takes  a  large  horse  to  make  an  appropriate  hitch  before  them. 
On  the  other  hand  the  draying  business  of  Boston  being  lighter 
than  that  of  New  York,  smaller  and  lighter  wagons  are  used  and 
consequently  the  demand  has  been  for  a  low  set  smaller  horse,  but 
this  condition  is  rapidly  changing  and  the  demand  is  now  for  a 
larger  horse. 


PLATE  3.  A  CHOICE  HEAVY  DRAFTER  OF  THE  SHOW  RING  ORDER.  FOR  SEVERAL 
YEARS  HE  WAS  A  FIRST  PRIZE  WINNER  AT  THE  INTERNATIONAL  LlVE  STOCK 
SHOW  AT  CHICAGO.  NOTE  HIS  ABUNDANCE  OF  QUALITY,  SMOOTHNESS  OF  FIN- 
ISH, OBLIQUITY  OF  SHOULDER,  AND  CORRECTLY  SET  PASTERN.  FOR  HARD  SERVICE  A 
LITTLE  MORE  DEPTH  OF  BODY  WOULD  BE  DESIRABLE.  HEIGHT  17  HANDS.  WEIGHT 
2150  POUNDS. 


106 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


HEAVY  DRAFT,  LIGHT  DRAFT,  AND  LOGGERS 


Conformation,  Height  and  Weight. — Heavy  draft  horses  are 
the  heavier  weights  of  the  draft  class  and  stand  from  16  to  17-2 
hands  high  and  weigh  from  1750  to  2200  pounds.  The  light  Drafter 
which  is  similar  in  type,  but  smaller,  stands  from  15-3  to  16-2  hands 
high  and  weighs  from  1600  to  1750  pounds.  While  15-3  hands  is 
accepted  as  the  minimum  height  for  light  Draft  horses  it  should 
be  understood  that  a  15-3  hand  horse  is  less  desirable  than  one 
taller  and  he  borders  closely  on  the  type  known  as  eastern  chunks. 
Loggers  are  horses  of  the  draft  class  that  are  bought  to  go  to  the 
lumbering  woods  and  used  for  logging  purposes.  In  most  instances 
this  trade  demands  comparatively  cheap  horses,  and  yet  wants  them 
large  and  strong.  Because  of  the  prices  paid,  the  trade  is  usually 
compelled  to  take  the  plainer,  rougher  horses  of  the  heavy  draft 
class,  and  some  are  slightly  blemished  or  unsound,  such  as  "off  in 
wind,"  "small  sidebones,"  "curbs,"  "wire  marks,"  etc.  Loggers 
should  stand  from  16-1  to  17-2  hands  high  and  weigh  from  1700 
to  2200  pounds.  See  Plates  i,  2,  3,  4,  and  5. 


PLATE  4.     A   CHOICE  HEAVY  DRAFTER  BUILT  FOR  WEAR.     NOTE   HIS  COMPACTNESS 

OF   BODY   AND   SMOOTHNESS    OF    FINISH.      HEIGHT    l6-I    HANDS.      WEIGHT 
POUNDS. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


107 


PLATE  5.    A  GOOD  LOGGER.    NOTE  HER  VERY  PLAIN   HIND  QUARTERS  BEING  CUT  UP 

IN   THE  FLANK    AND   SHORT  DROOPING   CROUP.      HEIGHT    l6-2    HANDS.      WEIGHT 
I95O  POUNDS. 

Action. — The  walk  is  the  principal  gait  to  be  considered  with 
Draft  horses  since  they  are  not  often  required  to  do  their  work  at 
a  faster  gait.  The  action  should  be  straight,  smooth,  and  regular; 
the  stride  long  and  open,  full  of  energy  and  ambition,  making  them 
fast  walkers,  and  enabling  them  to  cover  considerable  ground  in 
a  short  time.  The  trot  is  important  principally  as  an  index  to  the 
action  and  ease  of  deportment.  An  awkward  horse  or  one  that  is 
not  a  line  mover,  or  has  some  defect  in  his  gait  usually  shows  it 
more  readily  at  the  trot  than  at  the  walk. 

Demand. — Draft  horses  are  used  by  wholesale  mercantile 
houses,  packers,  brewers,  coal  dealers,  contractors,  lumbermen, 
and  firms  having  heavy  teaming  work.  They  are  in  demand  in  all 
large  cities,  New  York,  Chicago,  Boston,  Philadelphia,  and  Buffalo 
being  especially  active  in  the  trade.  They  are  wanted  for  export, 
but  during  the  past  few  years  prices  have  been  too  high  in  the 
United  States  to  make  exportation  profitable,  and  consequently  but 
few  Draft  horses  have  been  exported.  The  supply  is  much  short 


108 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


of  the  demand,  causing  sharp  competition  and  consequently  Drafters 
are  bringing-  good  prices  on  the  open  market. 


Chunks 

Usage  has  fixed  the  name  of  this  class,  which  is  significant  of 
the  conformation  of  the  horse  rather  than  the  use  to  which  he  is 
put.  However,  the  prefix  given  in  the  sub-class  is  rather  indicative 
of  his  use.  Chunks  are  divided  into  three  sub-classes,  Eastern  or 
Export,  Farm,  and  Southern. 

EASTERN  OR  EXPORT  CHUNKS 

At  one  time  this  class  was  known  as  Boston  Chunks,  but  as  the 
trade  has  widened  to  other  cities  and  some  exported,  they  are 
known  by  the  general  name  of  Eastern  or  Export  Chunks.  They  are 
most  generally  used  in  pairs  or  three  abreast  to  do  the  same  work 
as  Draft  horses ;  but  may  be  used  in  pairs,  in  a  four-in-hand  or  six- 
in-hand  team. 


PLATE  6.    A  CHOICE  EASTERN  CHUNK.  HEIGHT  15-2  HANDS.  WEIGHT  1530  POUNDS. 


1908.} 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


109 


Conformation,  Height  and  Weight. — The  Eastern  or  Export 
Chunk  is  for  the  most  part  much  the  same  type  of  a  horse  in  con- 
formation as  the  drafter  with  the  exception  of  size,  he  being  a  little 
more  blocky  and  compact.  He  stands  from  15  to  16  hands  high, 
usually  not  over  15-3,  and  weighs  from  1300  to  1550  pounds,  de- 
pending upon  size  and  condition.  His  neck  is  often  short,  a  little 
shorter  than  that  of  a  Drafter,  and  his  bone  a  little  lighter,  though 
this  is  not  a  requisite.  See  Plates  6  and  7. 


PLATE  7.  A  CHOICE  EASTERN  CHUNK.  IN  SOME  MARKETS  THIS  HORSE  MIGHT  BE 
CLASSED  AS  A  LlGHT  DRAFT.  NOTE  HIS  SHORTNESS  OF  LEGS  AND  COMPACTNESS 
OF  FORM.  HEIGHT  15-3.  WEIGHT  1550  POUNDS. 

Action. — Being  required  to  do  their  work  mostly  at  the  walk 
their  action  should  be  similar  to  that  of  a  draft  horse.  The  walk 
should  be  elastic,  quick,  balanced,  straight,  step  long,  trot  regular 
and  high  without  winging,  rolling,  interfering,  or  forging. 

Demand. — As  the  name  implies  Eastern  or  Export  Chunks  are 
bought  for  the  trade  of  eastern  cities  and  for  export.  The  demand 
is  strongest  during  March,  April,  and  May ;  but  they  usually  bring 
good  prices  through  the  fall  and  winter  months,  from  October  on. 


110 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


There  is  a  good  demand  for  those  that  grade  as  good  and  choice, 
but,  as  a  rule  there  are  enough  of  this  class  of  horses  in  the  general 
supply  found  on  the  market  to  meet  the  demand. 

FARM  CHUNKS 

Horses  of  this  type  may  be  found  on  the  market  at  all  seasons 
of  the  year,  but  during  the  spring  months  they  form  an  important 
feature  of  the  trade.  They  are  bought  to  be  used  on  the  farm  and 
are  in  most  urgent  need  during  the  season  when  crops  are  being 
planted.  They  are  usually  of  mixed  breeding,  draft  blood  pre- 
dominating and  commonly  known  among  farmers  as  "all  purpose 
horses."  Mares  are  more  generally  taken  than  geldings. 

Conformation,  Height  and  Weight. — For  this  class  low  down 
blocky  horses  are  wanted,  not  so  heavy  as  the  eastern  Chunks. 
Farm  Chunks  are  usually  lighter  in  bone  and  often  slightly  blem- 
ished or  unsound.  Since  farmers  do  not  usually  care  to  pay  for 
high  priced  horses  they  are  often  compelled  to  accept  those  with 
slight  injuries  such  as  small  side  bones,  curbs,  wire  marks,  etc.  In 


PLATE  8.  A  CHOICE  FARM  CHUNK  OR  FARM  MARE.  A  LITTLE  LIGHT  IN  BONE 
WHICH  IS  OFTEN  CHARACTERISTIC  OF  THIS  CLASS.  HEIGHT  15-2^2  HANDS. 
WEIGHT  1400  POUNDS. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


general  the  typical  Farm  Chunk  should  be  a  moderate  sized,  all- 
round  good  individual,  standing  from  15  to  15-3  hands  high  and 
weighing  from  1200  to  1400  pounds.  See  Plates  8  and  9. 


PLATE  9.    A  GOOD  FARM  CHUNK.    A  LITTLE  TOO  MUCH  LENGTH  OF  BODY  AND  NOT 

ENOUGH  DEPTH.     HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.     WEIGHT  I35O  POUNDS. 

Action. — Being  lighter  horses  than  the  Eastern  Chunks  they 
should  be  a  little  quicker  and  more  active  on  foot.  The  varied  use 
to  which  horses  are  put  on  the  farm  requires  that  they  be  able  to 
trot  readily  if  necessary.  However,  since  the  walk  is  their  most 
important  gait,  they  should  be  good  walkers  and  do  it  with  ease 
and  rapidity  when  drawing  a  load. 

Demand. — Farm  Chunks  are  in  strongest  demand  during  the 
spring  months  of  February,  March,  and  April.  During  the  re- 
mainder of  the  year  they  are  slower  sale  and  some  of  the  better 
grades  having  heavy  bone  are  sold  as  Wagon  Horses.  (See  Plate 
1 6.)  The  supply  being  larger  than  the  demand  for  the  lower 
grades  they  do  not  bring  as  good  prices  as  horses  of  some  other 
classes. 


112 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


SOUTHERN  CHUNKS 


[January, 


Southern  Chunks  or  as  they  are  termed  in  some  markets, 
"Southern  horses,"  or  "Southerns"  are  small  horses  that  are  bought 
by  dealers  for  the  southern  markets,  many  of  them  going  to  Mem- 
phis, Tennessee;  Jacksonville,  Florida;  Atlanta,  Georgia;  Rich- 
mond and  Norfolk,  Virginia,  and  other  large  southern  towns.  They 
are  used  by  southern  planters  for  tilling  their  lands  and  for  driving 
and  riding.  The  southern  farmer  does  not  cultivate  deeply  and 
the  soils  are  light,  consequently  he  does  not  require  very  large 
horses;  however,  each  year  the  trend  of  the  market  is  for  larger 
horses  for  this  trade. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Southern  Chunks  are 
small  horses  standing  from  15  to  15-3  hands  high  and  weighing 
from  800  to  1250  pounds.  They  are  rather  fine  of  bone,  posses- 
sing an  abundance  of  quality,  and  are  more  rangy  in  conformation 


PLATE  10.    A  CHOICE  SOUTHERN  CHUNK  OR  SOUTHERN.    NOTE  THE  QUALITY  AND 

FINISH  AND  THE  ABSENCE  OF  DRAFT  HORSE  BLOOD.  A  LITTLE  MORE  DEPTH  OF 
FLANK  WOULD  IMPROVE  HER  APPEARANCE.  HEIGHT  I5~2  HANDS.  WEIGHT 
ABOUT  II5O  POUNDS. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  ov  HORSES. 


113 


than  any  of  the  other  Chunks,  having  more  of  the  light  horse  blood. 
The  head  should  be  rather  small  and  neat,  and  the  neck  long  and 
slender,  the  ribs  well  sprung,  giving  a  round  barrel,  and  neatly 
turned  over  the  hips  and  croup.  Many  of  them  are  similar  to  the 
cheaper  horses  used  on  the  light  delivery  wagons  of  cities.  Buy- 
ers for  the  best  grades  of  Southern  horses  are  very  particular  to 
get  sound,  shapely,  young  horses  of  the  very  best  quality,  and  not 
over  six  years  old.  Some  horses  in  the  common  and  inferior  grades 
are  slightly  blemished  or  may  have  a  little  more  age  than  is  de- 
sired. See  Plates  10  and  n. 


PLATE  n.    A  GOOD  SOUTHERN  CHUNK.  HEIGHT  15-1  HANDS.  WEIGHT  1050  POUNDS. 

Action. — Southern  Chunks  should  have  all-round  good  ac- 
tion. Because  of  the  fact  that  they  possess  more  of  the  light  horse 
blood  and  build  than  of  the  draft,  they  should  have  better  action 
than  either  Eastern  or  Farm  Chunks.  The  form  of  action  in  fold- 
ing of  knees  and  flexing  of  hocks  should  be  much  the  same  as  in 
Farm  Chunks  except  that  there  should  be  more  snap  and  vigor  in  the 
movements  and  less  awkwardness. 

Demand. — The  supply  of  Southern  Chunks  being  larger  than 
the  demand  causes  them  to  sell  as  comparatively  cheap  horses.  As 
a  general  rule  the  demand  for  southern  horses  begins  in  Septem- 


114 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


her  and  October  and  gradually  increases  until  January,  February 
and  March,  when  the  demand  is  greatest.  From  this  time  on 
trade  weakens,  the  summer  months  being  usually  dull,  and  revives 
again  in  the  autumn. 

Wagon  Horses 

Under  this  general  term  are  grouped  horses  which  are  used  prin- 
cipally where  business  requires  quick  delivery.  Such  horses  must 
be  closely  coupled,  compactly  built,  with  plenty  of  constitution  and 
stamina.  They  must  be  good  actors,  have  a  good  clean  set  of 
limbs  with  plenty  of  bone  and  quality,  and  a  good  foot  that  will 
stand  the  wear  of  paved  streets.  In  this  class  are  Express  horses, 
Delivery  Wagon  horses,  Artillery  horses,  and  Fire  horses. 


PLATE  12.  A  CHOICE  EXPRESSER.  NOTE  THE  CONFORMATION  OF  GREAT  PHYSICAL 
ENDURANCE  INDICATED  BY  HIS  OBLIQUELY  SET  SHOULDER,  DEPTH  AND  COMPACT- 
NESS OF  BODY,  SHORTNESS  OF  BACK,  CLOSENESS  OF  COUPLING,  UNUSUAL  LENGTH 
OF  CROUP,  WELL  SET  PASTERNS  AND  GOOD  SHAPED  FEET.  HEIGHT  l6  HANDS. 
WEIGHT  1450  POUNDS. 


J908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


115 


PLATE  13.    A  CHOICE  EXPRESS  HORSE,  TYPICAL  OF  THE  CLASS  AND  ALMOST  FAULT- 
LESS IN  CONFORMATION.     HEIGHT  l6  HANDS.     WEIGHT  1375  POUNDS. 

EXPRESS  HORSKS 

Express  horses  are  used  by  express  companies  in  the  collecting 
and  delivering-  of  goods  to  and  from  railroad  stations.  Differ- 
ent express  companies  use  horses  of  slightly  different  size  and 
weight,  this  being  determined  by  the  nature  and  weight  of  goods 
handled  and  territory  from  which  trade  is  drawn.  For  instance, 
if  the  business  of  a  company  is  centrally  located  in  a  city,  and  de- 
pots are  not  far  apart,  they  use  larger  horses  and  load  heavier  than 
if  the  business  is  done  in  the  outlying  parts  of  a  city  and  the  depots 
a  considerable  distance  apart,  in  which  case  lighter  horses  with 
more  action  are  wanted.  They  are  used  singly  or  in  pairs,  and 
the  size  of  the  horse  will  depend  on  the  weight  of  the  wagon  to 
which  he  is  hitched.  The  lightest  ones  are  called  "money  horses," 
as  they  are  hitched  to  the  lighest  wagons  to  deliver  "valuables," 
this  kind  of  work  demanding  quick  service. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — The  typical  Expresser  is 
rather  an  upstanding,  deep  bodied,  closely  coupled  horse  with  good 


116  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

bone,  an  abundance  of  quality,  energy,  and  spirit.  He  should  stand 
from  15-3  to  1 6-2  hands  high  and  weigh  from  1350  to  1500  pounds 
in  good  flesh,  the  average  express  horse  being  16  to  16-1  hands 
high  and  weighing  around  1400  pounds  in  working  condition.  His 
head  should  be  neat,  his  neck  of  good  length  and  crest  well  devel- 
oped. His  shoulder  should  be  obliquely  set,  coupled  with  a  short, 
well  muscled  back  and  strong  loin.  His  croup  should  be  broad, 
rounding  and  well  muscled,  his  quarters  deep  and  thighs  broad. 
He  should  not  be  "goose-rumped"  nor  cut  up  in  the  flank.  His 
"underpining"  should  be  of  the  very  best,  his  cannons  broad  and 
clean,  and  hoofs  of  a  dense,  tough  horn  of  a  waxy  nature.  See 
Plates  12  and  13. 

Action. — The  Express  horse  is  required  to  do  his  work  both 
at  the  walk  and  trot,  the  latter  being  the  principal  gait.  He  should 
be  quick  and  active,  able  always  to  keep  his  feet  well  under  him 
and  throw  enough  weight  into  the  collar  to  move  a  heavy  load  at 
the  walk  or  a  lighter  load  at  the  trot.  As  in  the  previous  classes 
he  should  be  a  straight-line  mover  with  possibly  a  little  more  knee 
and  hock  action. 


Delivery  Wagon  horses  or  as  they  are  often  termed  "Wagon 
Horses"  are  similar  to  the  Expressers,  but  the  class  is  broader  in 
its  scope,  including  horses  of  common  and  inferior  grades  as  well 
as  medium,  good,  and  choice.  Generally  speaking  they  are  not  so 
large  as  Expressers  and  not  as  high  grade  animals ;  most  mercantile 
firms  are  not  such  liberal  buyers  and  consequently  they  get  a 
cheaper  grade  of  horses.  However,  this  is  not  always  true  as  some 
of  the  large  department  stores  whose  deliveries  serve  as  an  ad- 
vertisement will  pay  more  for  the  very  best  than  express  companies, 
thus  getting  very  choice  animals. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — The  conformation  re- 
quirements are  practically  the  same  as  for  Express  horses,  except 
they  are  not  quite  so  large,  standing  from  15  to  16  hands  and 
weighing  from  noo  to  1400  pounds.  See  Plates  14  and  15. 

Action. — The  action  requirements  are  the  same  as  for  Express 
horses  in  most  cases,  though  some  are  not  so  good  actors. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Express  and  Delivery  Wagon  horses 
is  good  at  all  times  of  the  year,  though  it  is  a  little  stronger  prior 
to  the  season  when  parcel-carting  is  greatest,  such  as  during  the 
Holiday  season  and  spring  months.  The  demand  for  good  to 
choice  Express  horses  is  greater  than  the  supply  and  as  a  result 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


117 


the  express  companies  are  obliged  to  fill  some  of  their  orders  from 
the  medium  grades  which  do  not  completely  meet  their  require- 
ments. The  trade  calls  for  a  uniform  high  quality  of  horses.  They 
are  usually  of  mixed  breeding  with  a  predominance  of  Draft  blood. 
The  demand  for  Delivery  Wagon  horses,  the  limits  of  which  are 
very  wide,  comes  from  all  kinds  of  retail  and  wholesale  mercantile 
houses,  such  as  meat  shops,  milk  houses,  grocery  houses,  dry-goods 
firms,  hardware  merchants,  etc.,  for  use  on  light  wagons  for  parcel 
delivery.  Some  of  the  coarser,  rougher  ones  are  used  on  the  huck- 
ster wagons,  junk  wagons,  sand  wagons,  and  by  contractors  for  cel- 
lar excavating,  street  cleaning,  railroad  grading,  or  almost  any 
kind  of  rough,  heavy  work.  During  the  early  spring  season  some 
-are  sold  as  Farm  Chunks.  See  Plate  16. 


PLATE  14.  A  CHOICE  WAGON  HORSE,  SUITABLE  FOR  USE  ON  FANCY  DELIVERY 
WAGONS.  NOTE  THE  DEPTH  AND  ROTUNDITY  OF  BODY,  THE  SMOOTHNESS  AND 
FINISH  OF  CONFORMATION.  HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.  WEIGHT  1350  POUNDS. 


118 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


8 
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1 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


119 


PLATE  16.  A  GOOD  ROUGH  WAGON  HORSE  OR  FARM  CHUNK.  IT  DEPENDS  SOME- 
WHAT UPON  THE  SEASON  OF  THE  YEAR  HOW  SUCH  HORSES  ARE  CLASSED.  NOTE 
THE  LACK  OF  QUALITY  AND  FINISH.  HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.  WEIGHT  1350 
POUNDS. 

ARTILLERY  HORSES 

Artillery  horses  conform  very  closely  to  the  better  grades  of 
Delivery  Wagon  horses  of  the  same  weight.  The  following  speci- 
fications, prepared  under  the  direction  of  the  Quartermaster  Gen- 
eral of  the  United  States  War  Department,  clearly  set  forth  the 
requirements. 

SPECIFICATIONS  FOR  ARTILLERY  HORSES  PREPARED  UNDER  DIRECTION  OF  THE  QUAR- 
TERMASTER GENERAL 

"The  artillery  horse  must  be  sound,  well  bred,  of  a  superior  class,  and  have 
quality;  of  a  kind  disposition,  well  broken  to  harness,  and  gentle  under  the 
saddle  with  easy  mouth  and  gaits,  and  free  and  prompt  action  in  the  walk,  trot, 
and  gallop ;  free  from  vicious  habits ;  without  material  blemish  or  defect,  and 
otherwise  conform  to  the  following  descriptions: 

A  gelding  of  uniform  and  hardy  color,  in  good  condition ;  from  5  to  8  years 
old;  weighing  from  1,050  pounds,  minimum  weight  for  leaders,  to  1,200,  maxi- 
mum weight  for  wheelers,  depending  on  height,  which  should  be  from  15-1  to  16 
hands. 


120 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


Head. — Small  and  well  set  on  neck ;  with  ears  small,  thin,  neat,  and  erect ; 
forehead  broad  and  full ;  eyes  large,  prominent  and  mild,  with  well  developed 
brow  and  fine  eyelid ;  vision  perfect  in  every  respect ;  muzzle  small  and  fine ; 
mouth  deep ;  lips  thin  and  firmly  compressed ;  nostril  large  and  fine ;  and  branches 
of  underjaw  (adjoining  neck)  wide  apart. 

Neck. — Moderately  long  and  tapering  toward  the  head,  with  crest  firm  and 
longer  than  underside;  mane  fine  and  intact. 

Withers. — Elevated,  not  unduly  fine,  well  developed  and  muscled. 

Shoulders. — Long,  oblique,  well  packed  with  muscle,  not  too  heavy,  smooth, 
rounded,  and  so  formed  as  properly  to  support  the  collar. 

Chest. — High,  wide,  very  deep ;  plump  in  front,  and  full. 

Fore  Legs. — Vertical,  and  properly  placed ;  with  elbow  large,  long,  prom- 
inent, clear  of  chest,  and  well  placed ;  "forearm  wide,  thick,  long,  heavily  muscled, 
and  vertical. 

Knees. — Neatly  outlined,  large,  prominent,  wide  in  front,  well  situated,  and 
well  directed. 

Back. — Short,  straight,  and  well  muscled. 

Loins. — Broad,  straight,  very  short  and  muscular. 

Barrel. — Large,  increasing  in  size  toward  flanks,  with  ribs  well  arched  and 
definitely  separated. 


PLATE  17.    A  CHOICE  ARTILLERY  HORSE.    NOTE  THE  LONG  OBUQUE  SHOULDER,  THE 

HIGH  THIN  WITHERS,  THE  SHORT,  STRONG  BACK  NEATLY  JOINED  TO  A  MUSCULAR 
CROUP.  THE  WHOLE  CONFORMATION  SHOWING  GREAT  MUSCULAR  STRENGTH  COM- 
BINED WITH  QUALITY  AND  FINISH.  HEIGHT  I5~3  HANDS.  WEIGHT  I20O  POUNDS. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


121 


Hind  Quarters. — Wide,  thick,  very  long,  full,  heavily  muscled,  rounded  ex- 
ternally, and  well  directed. 

Tail. — Fine  and  intact;  well  carried  and  firm. 

Hocks. — Neatly  outlined,  lean,  large,  wide  from  front  to  rear,  and  well  di- 
rected. 

Limbs.— From  knees  and  hocks  downward,  vertical,  short,  wide  laterally, 
with  tendons  and  ligaments  standing  well  out  from  bone  and  distinctly  defined. 

Pasterns. — Strong,  medium  length,  not  too  oblique,  and  well  directed. 

Feet. — Medium  size,  circular  in  shape,  sound;  with  horn  dark,  smooth,  and 
of  fine  texture;  sole  moderately  concave,  and  frog  well  developed,  sound,  firm, 
large,  elastic,  and  healthy. 

Each  horse  will  be  subject  to  a  rigid  inspection,  and  any  animal  that  does 
not  meet  the  above  requirements  should  be  rejected." 

See  Plates  17  and  18. 


PLATE  18.    A  CHOICE  ARTILLERY  HORSE.    HEIGHT  15-25/2  HANDS.    WEIGHT  ABOUT 
1200  POUNDS. 


Demand. — The  demand  for  Artillery  horses  is  rather  spas- 
modic, at  some  times  being  much  greater  than  at  others.  Con- 
tracts are  given  to  the  lowest  responsible  bidder  to  supply  them  in 
large  numbers  by  a  specified  time.  Because  of  the  rigid  exam- 
ination and  requirements  of  official  inspectors,  many  men  have  lost 
money  in  filling  contracts. 


122 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


FIRE  HORSES 


123 


The  Fire  horse  is  more  rangy  in  conformation  than  the  Expres- 
ser,  he  being  required  to  throw  weight  into  the  collar  and  often  to 
take  long  runs.  The  limits  of  the  class  are  narrow,  there  being 
only  two  grades,  choice  and  good.  The  requirements  are  very 
rigid  as  will  be  seen  by  the  specifications  set  forth  by  Mr.  Peter  F. 
Quinn,  former  Superintendent  of  Horses  of  the  Chicago  Fire  De- 
partment : 

"The  work  required  of  a  horse  best  suited  to  fire  department  services  nec- 
essitates almost  human  intelligence.  Such  a  horse  must  not  only  be  well  bred, 
sound  in  every  particular,  quick  to  observe,  prompt  and  willing  to  respond  to 
every  call,  but  as  well,  ambitious  to  discharge  his  numerous  and  unusual  duties 
under  constantly  differing  surroundings. 

In  selecting,  the  first  requisites  are,  evidence  of  tractability,  good  feet  and 
legs,  with  bones  and  hoof  of  the  best  texture,  a  short,  strong  back  and  well 
proportioned  fore  and  hind  quarters,  well  covered  with  firm  elastic  muscles.  A 
gelding  of  uniform  and  hardy  color,  in  good  condition,  from  five  to  seven  years 


PLATE  20.     A   CHOICE   16-2   HAND   FIRE  HORSE   SUITABLE  FOR  A    HEAVY   ENGINE 
TRUCK.    WEIGHT  1500  POUNDS. 


124 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


old,  and  weighing  from  1500  to  1700  pounds,  for  heavy  engine  companies  and 
heavy  hook  and  ladder  trucks.  Height,  16  to  17-2  hands.  Hose  carriage  horses, 
same  age;  weight  from  1200  to  1400  pounds;  height,  15  to  16-2  hands." 

See  Plates  19  and  20. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Fire  horses  is  very  limited,  coming 
from  fire  companies  of  cities.  There  are  usually  enough  horses  in 
the  general  supply  to  meet  the  demand. 


PLATE  21.  A  CHOICE  COACH  HORSE  SUITABLE  FOR  A  WHEELER  IN  A  FOUR-IN-HAND. 
NOTE  HIS  LONG  OBLIQUELY  SET  SHOULDER,  SHORT  WELL  MUSCLED  BACK  AND 
LOIN,  WELL  SPRUNG  RIB,  LONG  NEATLY  TURNED  CROUP  AND  WELL  MUSCLED 
THIGHS.  HE  POSSESSES  SMOOTHNESS  AND  FINISH  TO  AN  UNUSUAL  DEGREE,  HAS 
WELL  SET  PASTERNS  AND  STANDS  WELL  ON  HIS  FEET.  HlS  NECK  IS  A  TRIFLE 
HEAVY  IN  THE  THROATLATCH  GIVING  HIM  A  SLIGHT  STAGGY  APPEARANCE. 
HEIGHT  16  HANDS.  WEIGHT  ABOUT  1250  POUNDS. 

Carriage  Horses 

This  class  includes  Coach,  Cob,  Park,  and  Cab  horses.  As  the 
name  "carriage"  implies  (a  vehicle  for  conveying  people)  this 
class  of  horses  is  used  on  the  various  heavy  weight  vehicles.  In 
contradistinction  to  "light  harness  horses"  of  the  Road  class  they 
are  often  spoken  of  as  "heavy  harness  horses."  They  are  smoothly 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES.  125 

turned,  full  made,  up-headed  horses  with  an  unusual  amount  of 
quality  and  must  possess  to  a  marked  degree,  high  action,  with  a 
fair  amount  of  speed.  The  neck  should  be  long  and  arched,  the 
head  small  and  clean  cut  with  a  neatly  set  ear.  The  shoulder  should 
be  oblique  in  order  to  enable  the  horse  to  bring  his  knees  as  high 
as  possible.  The  width  of  breast  should  be  in  keeping  with  the 
conformation  of  the  horse,  too  much  width  being  undesirable  as 
well  as  too  little.  The  body  should  be  of  good  depth  and  length; 
the  length  being  in  a  long  croup  rather  than  a  long  back.  The 
back  should  be  short  and  well  muscled,  the  ribs  springing  well  from 
the  spine,  giving  a  round  barrel.  The  hips  should  be  rounding, 
the  croup  well  muscled,  the  tail  set  high,  and  the  quarters  deep. 
The  limbs  should  be  free  from  blemishes  or  unsoundness  and  pos- 
sessing an  abundance  of  quality  with  plenty  of  substance.  In  ad- 
dition to  being  well  muscled,  the  limbs  should  be  well  proportioned 
in  length  of  fore-arm  to  cannon  and  joined  to  oblique  pasterns  and 
good  feet. 

COACH  HORSES 

Typical  Coachers  are  smoothly  turned,  full  made  horses,  with  a 
little  more  size  and  length  of  neck  than  other  horses  of  the  Car- 
riage class.  The  principal  requirement  is  high  action  combined 
with  beauty  of  form.  The  whole  outline  of  the  horse  should  be 
carried  out  in  easy,  graceful  curves,  pleasing  to  the  eye. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Coach  horses  should 
stand  from  15-1  to  16-1  hands  high  and  weigh  from  uoo  to  1250 
pounds.  The  weight  is  not  of  such  great  importance  with  Coach 
horses  as  with  Draft  and  Wagon  horses.  The  essential  thing  is  to 
get  a  horse  that  looks  right  and  proper  before  the  vehicle  to  which 
he  is  hitched;  for  instance,  the  most  desirable  height  for  a  "park 
drag,''  "body  break"  or  "heavy  coach"  is  15-3  to  16  hands  and 
weighing  around  1150  to  1200  pounds.  For  a  light  "brougham" 
a  pair  of  15-2  hand  horses  and  weighing  noo  pounds  is  more  ap- 
propriate. A  hearse  requires  a  horse  from  15-3  to  16-1  hands  high 
and  weighing  1200  to  1250  pounds.  The  Coach  horse  should  have  a 
small,  neat  head,  well  set  on  a  nicely  arched  neck,  free  from  staggi- 
ness.  He  should  have  high,  thin  withers  to  which  are  smoothly 
joined  oblique  shoulders.  The  forearm  should  be  well  muscled, 
the  cannon  of  medium  length  and  broad,  to  which  is  joined  a  long 
sloping  pastern  with  a  good  foot.  The  foot  should  not  be  so  round- 
ing as  the  foot  of  the  Draft  horse,  the  heel  should  be  high  and  wide, 
giving  sufficient  room  for  a  large  frog.  The  back  should  be  short, 
the  body  deep,  round  and  closely  coupled;  the  loins  short  and 


126 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


broad.  The  hips  should  be  nicely  rounded,  the  croup  wide,  mus- 
cular and  not  drooping;  the  tail  is  often  docked  and  set  for 
fashionable  trade,  but  when  left  long  should  be  carried  gracefully. 
A  common  fault  with  many  Coach  horses  is  a  "short,  staggy  neck 
turned  upside  down,"  a  flab  rib,  a  long  back  and  a  "goose  rump." 
Action. — Action  in  the  Coach  horse  is  one  of  the  most  essential 
qualities  of  this  class.  An  individual  with  good  conformation  will 
be  a  comparatively  cheap  horse  if  he  is  very  deficient  in  style  and 
action ;  in  fact,  it  may  bar  him  from  being  classed  as  a  Coach  horse. 
He  must  be  a  "high  stepper"  and  quick  in  his  movements,  flexing 
his  hocks  well  under  his  body,  folding  his  front  legs  well  at  the  knees 
and  carrying  them  high  toward  his  chin.  He  may  be  said  to  be  a 
little  more  stately  in  his  action  than  Cobs  and  Park  horses.  In  com- 
parison with  the  action  of  the  trotting  horse  for  speed,  -he  should 
be  shorter  in  his  stride,  lifting  his  knees  higher  in  front  of  his  body, 
and  not  draggi.ig  his  hocks  behind.  The  demand  is  for  trotters 
only,  pacers  being  not  accepted  in  this  class.  See  Plates  21,  22, 
and  23. 


PLATE  22.  A  CHOICE  15-2  HAND  COACH  OR  BROUGHAM  HORSE.  NOTE  THE  COM- 
PACTNESS AND  SMOOTHNESS  OF  FORM  WITH  ROTUNDITY  OF  BODY.  WEIGHT 
ABOUT  1175  POUNDS. 


7pO<?.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


127 


12S 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


Demand. — The  demand  for  Coach  horses  comes  from  wealthy 
men  who  maintain  stables  of  fine  horses  and  equipages  for  pleas- 
ure driving,  and  at  present  there  is  also  quite  an  active  demand 
from  exporters,  who  ship  to  Mexico  and  European  markets.  They 
are  hitched  singly,  in  pairs,  unicorn  (sometimes  called  a  spike,  as 
one  horse  is  hitched  to  the  end  of  the  pole  ahead  of  a  pair),  four- 
in-hand,  and  six-in-hand  to  "coaches,"  "breaks,"  "park  drags,"  etc. 
A  large  percentage  of  the  Coach  horses  have  a  predominance  of 
American  Trotting  horse  blood  while  a  few  are  produced  from  the 
imported  coach  breeds;  but  since  many  of  the  imported  so  called 
Coach  horses  possess  the  common  fault  of  grossness  and  coarse- 
ness, as  a  class  they  do  not  possess  the  requirements  demanded  by 
the  American  markets. 

COBS 

Cobs  are  small  Coach  horses  that  are  driven  singly,  in  pairs,  or 
tandem  fashion  (one  in  front  of  the  other),  usually  by  ladies 


PLATE  24.     A  CHOICE  COB.     NOTE  THE  SIMILARITY  OF  CONFORMATION   TO  THE  PRE- 
VIOUS  CARRIAGE  HORSES,   EXCEPTING  THAT  OF  SIZE.      THE  POSITION  OF   HIS    LEGS 
GIVES    HIM   A    SLIGHTLY   AWKWARD    POSE.      HEIGHT    1 5    HANDS.      WEIGHT    A110U  f 
IIOO  POUNDS. 


1908.}  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES.  129 

though  they  may  be  used  by  gentlemen  as  well.  They  are  small 
horses  of  a  stocky  build  with  plenty  of  quality,  good  length  of  neck, 
a  neat  head,  and  high  action. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Cobs  stand  from  14-1  to 
15-1  hands  high  and  weigh  from  900  to  1150  pounds.  Strictly 
speaking  they  are  an  English  horse  and  in  England  they  never 
consider  a  horse  a  cob  that  stands  over  15  hands;  however,  the 
American  markets  accept  them  15-1  hands  high.  A  15-hand  Cob 
should  not  weigh  over  1 100  pounds,  but  his  condition  will-  have 
much  to  do  with  his  weight.  They  should  be  in  every  respect  high 
class  horses  with  an  abundance  of  quality,  finish,  and  style.  The 
strongest  demand  comes  for  horses  14-3  to  15  hands  high  and 
weighing-from  1000  to  noo  pounds.  See  Plate  24. 

Action. — The  action  of  the  Cob  should  be  much  the  same  as 
that  of  the  Coach  horse  or  a  little  higher  both  before  and  behind. 
As  horsemen  say,  "They  must  be  able  to  get  away  smart,"  i.  e.,  they 
should  be  quick  on  their  feet  and  able  to  move  off  at  a  "good  clip," 
carrying  their  knees  high  and  bringing  the  hocks  well  under  the 
body. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Cobs  comes  from  much  the  same 
source  as  for  Coach  horses.  Since  they  are  a  little  more  proper 
for  ladies'  driving  than  a  full  sized  Coacher,  they  are  often  spoken 
of  as  ladies'  Cobs.  They  are  usually  hitched  to  a  light  brougham, 
phaeton,  or  some  carriage  that  is  not  intended  for  carrying  more 
than  four.  Their  tails  must  be  docked  and  set  to  meet  the  demand 
of  the  city  customer,  but  it  would  be  better  to  leave  this  operation 
to  the  dealer  or  buyer.  At  present  there  is  a  good  demand  from 
Mexico  as  well  as  from  cities  of  the  United  States.  While  the  de- 
mand is  strong,  it  is  more  limited  than  for  Coach  horses. 

PARK  HORSES 

Park  horses  possess  much  of  the  Coach  horse  type  in  that  they 
must  be  symmetrical  with  well  rounded  bodies  and  an  abundance 
of  quality  and  action.  In  reality  they  are  the  "cream"  of  the  small 
Coach  horses.  They  are  strictly  dress  horses  and  as  their  name  in- 
dicates, one  which  a  lady  or  gentleman  would  want  to  drive  in  a 
park,  and  are  hitched  singly  to  a  cart  or  tandem  to  a  gig.  A  solid 
color  is  more  desirable  than  one  with  white  markings  as  no  one 
except  a  gentleman  that  wishes  to  "cut  a  swell"  would  want  to 
drive  such  a  horse,  since  it  is  not  considered  in  good  taste  for  a  lady 
to  drive  a  strikingly  marked,  extremely  high  acting  horse. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — They  must  have  a  neat, 
clean  cut,  breedy  looking  head  set  on  a  long,  well  arched  neck  and 
be  of  exceptionally  good  quality  and  finish ;  the  other  requirements 
being  the  same  as  for  a  Coach  horse,  They  must  be  well  broken 


130 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


and  mannered,  and  of  a  desirable  color  to  meet  the  demand.  The 
limits  for  height  and  weight  are  15  to  15-3  hands  high  and  from 
1000  to  1150  pounds,  the  most  desirable  height  being  15-1  to  15-2 
hands,  and  weight  from  TOGO  to  noo  pounds. 

Action. — Park  horses  must  be  sensationally  high  acting  both 
at  knees  and  hocks,  for  this  is  a  prime  essential  in  order  that  they 
be  classed  as  Park  horses.  (See  Plates  25  and  26.)  As  well 
as  being  high,  the  action  should  be  straight  forward  and  open  with- 
out any  winging  or  interfering.  The  action  should  be  regular  as 
if  the  feet  were  put  down  in  rhythmical  order.  On  account  of  ex- 
tremely high  action  a  great  amount  of  speed  is  seldom  secured. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Park  horses  greatly  exceeds  the 
supply  as  they  have  never  been  produced  in  great  enough  numbers 
to  equal  the  demand  and  probably  never  will  be.  Breeders  trying 
to  produce  them  succeed  with  only  a  small  percentage  of  the  colts 
reared. 


PLATE  25.    A  CHOICE  PARK  HORSE,  AND  MANY  TIMES  A  BLUE  RIBBON  WINNER  AT 

LEADING  SHOWS.  AN  EXTREMELY  HIGH  ACTOR.  SUCH  HORSES  ARE  SELDOM  AS 
STOCKILY  BUILT  AS  OTHER  CARRIAGE  HORSES.  HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.  WEIGHT 
ADOUT  IIOO  POUNDS. 


T908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


131 


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132 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


CAB  HORSES 

Cab  horses  are  used  on  either  two  or  four  wheeled  cabs,  coupes, 
and  other  vehicles  for  public  service  in  cities.  They  are  much  the 
same  type  as  the  Coach  horse,  and  in  fact  many  of  them  are  the 
discarded  and  the  lower  grades  of  the  Coach  class. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Cab  horses  stand  from 
15-2  to  1 6- 1  hands  high  and  weigh  from  1050  to  1200  pounds. 
The  principal  quality  sought  is  symmetry  of  form  combined  with 
endurance.  They  should  possess  good  feet  and  bone,  strong  con- 
stitution, a  deep  barrel  with  good  spring  of  rib  and  should  be 
closely  coupled.  Not  as  much  flesh  is  demanded  in  the  condition 
of  Cab  horses  as  in  Coach  horses  for  they  fill  a  cheaper  trade,  but 
to  satisfy  the  demand  they  should  be  in  good  condition, 

Action. — The  action  of  a  Cab  horse  should  be  straight,  i.  e.,  he 
should  be  a  straight  line  mover,  but  need  not  be  excessively  high. 
In  fact,  moderate  action  is  all  that  is  desired  since  a  horse  with 
moderate  action  possesses  greater  endurance  than  an  extremely 
high  actor. 


I'l   Vl- 

L*fc,AIJJ.I\  (j 

STOCKILY    BUILT    AS    0. 
ADOUT    IIOO   POUNDS. 


MEDIUM    CAB    HORSE,    BUT    WOULD    GRADE    GOOD    IF    HE    CARRIED    MORE 
HORSE  IS   DOING   SERVICE   IN   ONE  OF  THE   LARGF   LIVERIES    OF   CHI- 

TTT 

WEIGHT  IIOO  POUNDS. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


133 


134  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Cab  horses  comes  from  livery 
and  transfer  companies  and,  when  prices  will  permit,  from  export 
buyers.  Horses  of  this  class  are  generally  of  nondescript  breeding, 
excepting  the  discarded  Coachers,  and  the  supply  is  greater  than 
the  demand,  making  them  cheap  horses.  See  Plates  27  and  28. 

Road  Horses 

This  class  embraces  the  lighter  weights  of  the  harness  horses 
which  are  commonly  spoken  of  as  drivers  or  "light  harness  horses." 
They  are  more  lithe  in  build  and  angular  in  form  than  those  of 
the  carriage  class.  The  use  to  which  they  are  put  demands  that  if 
called  upon  to  do  so,  they  be  able  to  cover  distance  in  the  quickest 
time  possible  without  undue  fatigue.  Performance  is  the  princi- 
pal quality  sought,  but  a  good  conformation  is  almost  as  desirable. 
This  class  is  composed  of  the  Runabout  horses  and  Roadsters. 

RUNABOUT  HORSES 

Runabout  horses  occupy  in  intermediate  place  between  typical 
Roadsters  and  Carriage  Horses.  Because  of  the  harness  they  wear, 
some  authorities  might  class  them  as  carriage  horses,  but  on  ac- 
count of  their  action,  conformation  and  the  use  to  which  they  are 
put,  it  seems  more  proper  to  class  them  as  Road  horses. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — A  Runabout  horse  is 
rather  a  short  legged  horse,  standing  from  14-3  to  15-2  hands  high 
and  weighing  from  900  to  1050  pounds.  His  head  should  be  neat, 
ear  fine,  eye  large  and  mild,  neck  of  good  length  and  neatly  cut  at 
the  throat  latch.  The  neck  should  be  of  medium  weight,  not  quite 
so  heavy  as  that  of  the  Coach  horse  and  not  so  light  and  thin  as 
that  of  the  Roadster.  The  shoulder  should  be  obliquely  set,  the  with- 
ers high  and  thin,  the  back  short,  well  muscled  and  closely  coupled 
to  the  hips  by  a  short  broad  loin.  The  barrel  should  be  deep  and 
round,  the  ribs  well  sprung  and  the  chest  deep;  the  croup  long 
and  the  hips  nicely  rounded.  The  limbs  should  be  well  placed  and 
heavily  muscled,  the  bone  broad  and  clean  and  pasterns  of  good 
length  and  obliquely  set,  joined  to  well  shaped  feet.  The  Run- 
about horse  is  not  quite  so  stockily  built  as  the  Cob,  being  not 
so  heavy  in  neck  and  crest,  not  so  full  made  and  rotund  in  body 
and  heavy  in  quarters.  See  Plates  29  and  30. 

Action. — The  action  of  a  Runabout  horse  is  more  moderate 
than  that  of  a  cob,  i.  e.,  he  does  not  need  to  be  as  high  an  actor  and 
should  have  a  little  more  speed.  The  action  should  be  bold,  fric- 
tionless  and  straight,  such  as  is  conducive  to  speed  and  beauty  of 
form. 


IQ08.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


135 


136 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


PLATE  30.    A .  CHOICE   15-1    HAND   RUNABOUT   HORSE. 
RATHER  AWKWARDLY  POSED  ON  HIS  HIND  LEGS. 


WEIGHT    1050    POUNDS. 


Demand. — The  demand  for  Runabout  horses  is  for  single  driv- 
ers and  pairs  only.  They  are  used  largely  by  business  men  of  cities 
on  runabouts,  driving  wagons,  phaetons,  etc.  The  demand  is  ac- 
tive at  remunerative  prices.  They  are  of  more  or  less  mixed  breed- 
ing, the  predominating  blood  being  either  of  the  American  Trotting 
horse,  American  Saddle  horse,  or  Hackney. 

ROADSTERS 

Roadsters  should  have  action  and  stamina  that  will  enable  them 
to  draw  light  vehicles  with  ease  at  a  fairly  good  rate  of  speed  for 
a  considerable  distance  without  undue  fatigue.  Stamina  is  gen- 
erally accompanied  by  a  marked  degree  of  quality  and  a  highly  de- 
veloped nervous  system.  They  are  more  lithe  in  build  and  angular 
in  conformation  than  horses  of  the  Runabout  class.  See  Plates 
31,  3^2,  and  33  and  note  the  variation  of  type. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


137 


PLATE  31.     A  CHOICE  ROADSTER  AND  MANY  TIMES  A  CHAMPION.     NOTE  THE  UN- 
USUAL LENGTH  OF  BODY  AND  RANGY  CONFORMATION  AS  COMPARED  WITH   PLATES 

29  AND  3O.  NOTE  ALSO  THE  UNUSUAL  LENGTH  FROM  HIP  TO  HOCK  AND  WELL 
MUSCLED  THIGHS  AND  QUARTERS  INDICATING  SPEED  QUALITIES.  HEIGHT  IS~3 
HANDS.  WEIGHT  1150  POUNDS. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Roadsters  stand  from  15 
to  1 6  hands  high  and  weigh  from  900  to  1150  pounds.  While  16 
hands  is  the  upper  limit  for  this  class  a  i6-hand  Roadster  is  not 
nearly  so  desirable  as  one  that  does  not  stand  more  than  15-3  hands. 
Some  authorities  go  so  far  as  to  say  that  a  i6-hand  horse  is  no: 
wanted;  however,  if  the  extra  height  is  all  that  is  against  him  he 
usually  finds  a  buyer  without  great  difficulty.  As  in  the  Carriage 
class  all  the  requisites  for  a  good  horse  are  desired,  but  as  a  matter 
of  fact,  the  Roadster  does  not  have  the  symmetry  of  form  and  finish 
of  the  Carriage  horse.  The  head  should  be  neat  and  expressive  of 


138 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[Jattuary, 


intelligence,  the  neck  thin  and  of  moderate  length,  the  shoulder 
obliquely  set,  the  barrel  round  and  the  back  short;  however, 
the  shoulders  are  usually  not  so  oblique,  the  ribs  not  so  well 
sprung  near,  the  spine  and  the  back  a  little  longer  than  that  of  the 
Carriage  horse.  The  Roadster  also  is  usually  more  tucked  up  in 
the  rear  flank,  the  croup  is  more  drooping  and  the  width  not  so 
well  carried  out,  the  thighs  and  quarters  are  not  so  deep  and  well 
rounded  out  with  muscle.  An  extremely  drooping  croup  or  a 
"ewe"  neck  are  discriminated  against  as  they  are  very  unsightly. 
In  general  a  Roadster  may  be  described  as  having  the  "grey  hound" 
form,  often  measuring  a  little  higher  on  the  hips  than  at  the  with- 
ers, and  powerfully  developed  in  the  propellers  or  hind  quarters. 

Action. — Speed  combined  with  grace,  ease,  and  endurance  are 
the  principal  qualities  sought  in  the  action  of  the  Roadster.  He 
should  have  a  long,  free,  open  stride  and  quick  recovery ;  should  be 
a  straight-line  mover  and  have  good  knee  action  but  it  need  not  be 
excessively  high.  Interfering,  forging,  cross-firing,  and  spraddling 
wide  behind,  are  common  faults  discriminated  against. 


PLATE  32.     A  CHOICE   ROADSTER,  "Lou  DILLON''   i  :$l/z',  REPRESENTING  THE  EX- 
TREME SPEED  TYPE.    HEIGHT  i5~iJA  HANDS.    WEIGHT  810  POUNDS.     PHOTO  BY 

COURTESY   OF  OWNER,   C.    K.    G.    BlLLINGS. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


139 


140  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

Demand. — There  is  a  strong  demand  for  Roadsters  from  both 
home  and  export  trade  for  pleasure  driving  and  sporting  purposes. 
To  fill  the  demand  as  racing  and  matinee  horses  they  must  be  able 
to  trot  a  mile  in  2 130,  or  pace  in  2  125  or  less,  the  more  speed  they 
possess  the  higher  price  they  will  bring.  The  less  speedy  are  often 
purchased  for  their  utility  in  being  able  to  make  long  drives  in  a 
short  time.  There  is  a  stronger  demand  for  trotters  than  for  pacers 
for  road  work,  but  for  racing  purposes  they  are  about  on  a  par. 

Saddle  Horses 

The  requirements  for  Saddle  horses  are  sureness  of  foot,  ease 
of  carriage  to  the  rider,  good  manners,  and  ease  of  control.  To 
possess  these  requirements  they  must  have  an  oblique  shoulder  with 
a  moderately  long  sloping  pastern,  a  short  back,  and  a  trifle  more 
height  at  the  withers  than  on  the  hips.  The  head  should  be  neat, 
clean  cut,  and  attractive,  set  on  a  moderately  long  neck.  The  fore- 
head should  be  broad  and  there  should  be  good  width  between  the 
jaw-bones.  The  length  of  neck  is  important  as  a  long  neck  is  usu- 
ally more  supple  and  renders  the  mouth  more  flexible,  which  is 
necessary  for  ease  of  handling  and  smoothness  of  carriage.  A  horse 
that  is  a  "lugger"  cannot  possess  the  good  qualities  he  otherwise 
would.  The  croup  should  be  long,  muscular,  and  not  drooping, 
with  neatly  set  tail.  His  limbs  should  be  strong  and  clean,  and  his 
action  quick  and  graceful.  This  class  is  composed  of  Five  Gaited 
Saddlers,  Three  Gaited  Saddlers,  Hunters,  Cavalry  horses  and  Polo 
ponies. 

FIVE  GAITED  SADDLE  HORSES 

Five  Gaited  Saddle  horses,  sometimes  spoken  of  as  "gaited" 
Saddle  horses,  or  "American  Saddle  horses"  are  distinctly  an  Amer- 
ican product.  A  recognized  type  has  been  brought  about  by  skillful 
selection  and  breeding  for  more  than  half  a  century.  The  princi- 
pal requirements  are  that  they  possess  at  least  five  of  the  recog- 
nized distinct  gaits  under  the  saddle,  viz..,  walk,  single-foot  or 
rack,  running-walk  or  fox-trot,  trot,  and  canter. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight.— The  Five  Gaited  Saddler 
should  stand  from  15  to  16  hands  high  and  weigh  from  900  to  1200 
pounds,  the  most  desirable  height  being  15-2  to  15-3  hands  and 
weight  around  1050  to  1150  pounds.  He  should  be  of  a  kind  dis- 
position, have  a  good  mouth,  possess  courage  and  ambition,  and 
the  conformation  of  a  weight  carrier.  His  head  should  be  fine, 
clean  cut,  and  breedy  looking,  his  neck  long,  arched,  and  set  on  an 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


141 


oblique  shoulder  with  muscles  extending  well  into  the  back,  the  with- 
ers high  and  well  finished.  An  oblique  shoulder  is  imperative  or 
he  will  not  be  able  to  go  the  required  gaits  with  ease  to  himself  and 
rider.  In  order  to  carry  weight  well  he  should  possess  a  strong 
level,  short  back  and  be  closely  coupled.  His  legs  and  quarters 
should  be  well  muscled,  croup  not  drooping,  and  he  should  carry  a 
long  flowing  tail  (sometimes  spoken  of  as  a  "water  spout  tail.") 
See  Plate  34. 

Action. — The  action  of  a  Five  Gaited  horse  should  be  free,  easy 
and  frictionless  with  no  inclination  to  mix  in  his  gaits.  The  walk 
and  trot  should  be  bold  and  vigorous,  the  stride  of  good  length  but 
not  unduly  long,  and  quick  to  recover.  The  action  need  not  be 


PLATE  34.  A  CHOICE  FIVE  GAITED  SADDLER,  AND  PRONOUNCED  BY  EXPERT  JUDGES 
AS  ALMOST  PERFECTION  IN  TYPE.  NOTE  HIS  LENGTH  OF  NECK,  HEIGHT  OF  WITH- 
ERS, SHORTNESS  OF  BACK,  STRENGTH  OF  LOIN,  AND  LONG  LEVEL  CROUP.  SUCH  A 

CONFORMATION  IS  WELL  SUITED  FOR  CARRYING  WEIGHT.  THE  PICTURE  -SHOWS 
HIM  TO  BE  A  LITTLE  TOO  STRAIGHT  IN  THE  FRONT  PASTERNS.  HEIGHT  l6  HANDS. 
WEIGHT  ABOUT  1175  POUNDS.  PHOTO  BY  COURTESY  OF  BIT  AND  SPUR. 


142  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

extremely  high  but  he  should  keep  his  feet  well,  under  his  body  at  all 
times  so  there  will  be  little  danger  of  stumbling  or  falling  in  case  he 
should  slip.  The  running-walk  is  discriminated  against  by  some  as 
it  is  claimed  to  be  conducive  to  stumbling.  The  rack  should  be 
regular  and  rhythmical  of  the  "one,  two,  three,  four"  order  and 
should  not  have  side  motion  in  either  feet,  legs  or  body  which 
produces  roughness  when  going  fast.  In  cantering  the  horse  should 
be  taught  to  lead  with  either  leg  and  go  slow  or  fast  according  to 
the  pleasure  of  the  rider. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Five  Gaited  horses  is  good  and 
comes  from  pleasure  seeking  equestrians,  cattle  men,  army  officers, 
and  people  looking  for  easy  riding  horses.  They  are  produced 
largely  by  the  use  of  pure  bred  American  Saddle  horse  stock, 
especially  on  the  sire's  side,  most  of  them  being  bred  in  Missouri, 
Kentucky,  Southern  Illinois,  Indiana,  and  some  in  other  states. 

THREE  GAITED  SADDLE  HORSES 

The  Three  Gaited  Saddlers  are  subdivided  into  two  divisions, 
light  and  heavy,  depending  on  the  weight  they  are  expected  to 
carry.  In  general  type  and  conformation  they  are  much  the  same  as 
the  Five  Gaited  horses  but  are  required  to  go  only  three  gaits,  walk, 
trot,  and  canter.  A  good  point  to  be  looked  for  in  a  Three  Gaited 
horse,  or  all  Saddle  horses  for  that  matter,  is  to  get  a  conformation 
that  will  place  the  rider  well  back  showing  as  much  of  the  horse  in 
front  of  him  as  possible;  thus,  lightening  the  weight  on  the  fore 
hand.  The  "walk,  trot,  canter"  horse  is  strictly  an  English  type 
which  has  become  popular  in  America  in  recent  years,  the  reasons 
for  which  may  be  attributed  to  their  use  as  army  remounts  (the 
Three  Gaited  horse  being  used  in  the  cavalry),  the  ease  with  which 
they  are  educated  and  prepared  for  the  market,  and  the  fact  that 
they  are  not  so  likely  to  become  mixed  in  their  gaits  by  unskilled 
riders  as  the  Five  Gaited  horses. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — The  requirements  for 
"walk,  trot,  canter"  horses  are  about  the  same  as  for  Five  Gaited 
horses,  except  that  they  are  a  little  more  compactly  built  having 
shorter  necks  and  bodies,  and  their  tails  are  usually  docked  and  set. 
The  light  weight  Saddlers  are  used  as  mounts  for  ladies  and  small 
men,  they  being  required  to  carry  not  over  165  pounds  while  heavy 
weight  horses  are  generally  used  as  gentlemen's  mounts  and  must 
be  able  to  carry  165  pounds  and  upwards.  Three  Gaited  Saddlers 
should  stand  from  14-3  to  16  hands  high  and  weigh  from  900  to 
1200  pounds.  The  most  desirable  height  being  15-1  to  15-3  hands 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


143 


and  weighing  1050  to  1150  pounds.  The  heavy  weight  Saddlers 
should  possess  a  conformation  indicative  of  strength  equal  to  carry 
the  weight  expected  of  them  and  in  general  they  are  about  an  inch 
taller  and  50  to  100  pounds  heavier  than  the  light  weights.  See 
Plates  35  and  36. 

Demand. — The  "Three  gaited"  Saddle  horses  are  becoming 
more  popular  and  the  demand  from  city  trade  is  on  the  increase. 
They  are  used  by  equestrians  who  live  sedentary  lives,  and  are  pre- 
ferred to  the  "five  gaited"  horses  for  pleasure  riding.  The  educa- 
tion of  the  "Three  Gaited"  horses  being  simpler  than  that  of  the 
Five  Gaited  they  usually  sell  for  less  money.  They  are  produced  in 
the  districts  where  light  horses  are  bred,  most  of  them  being  of 
the  American  Trotting  horse,  the  American  Saddle  horse,  or  the 
thoroughbred  blood. 


PLA'TE  35.    A  CHOICE  THREE  GAITED  SADDLER.    AN  EXCELLENT  TYPE  FOR  CARRYING 

WEIGHT.  NOTE  THE  LONG  OBLIQUE  SHOULDERS,  THE  HIGH  WITHERS,  SHORT 
STRONG  BACK  AND  LOIN.  ALSO  NOTE  THE  DIFFERENCE  IN  LENGTH  OF  BODY  AND 
COMPACTNESS  WITH  PLATE  34.  THIS  HORSE  IS  A  LITTLE  COARSE  AND  HEAVY 
IN  THE  THROATLACH.  HEIGHT  ABOUT  I5~3-  WEIGHT  ABOUT  1 125  POUNDS. 

PHOTO  BY  COURTESY  OF  THE  BREEDER'S  GAZETTE. 


144 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


PLATE  36.     A  CHOICE  THREE  GAITED  SADDLE  HORSE.     AN  EXCELLENT  TYPE  BUT  A 
BAD  COLOR.     HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.     WEIGHT  ABOUT  1075  POUNDS. 

HUNTERS 

Hunters  are  large,  strongly  built  horses  and  must  be  able  to 
stand  long  country  rides  and  be  good  jumpers.  Strictly  speaking 
they  are  sporting  horses,  being  used  by  hunting  parties  to  ride  af- 
ter hounds.  They  must  be  fearless,  being  often  required  to  take 
daring  leaps  over  fences  and  gullies,  for  if  they  should  shrink 
at  such  a  time  the  rider's  life  is  placed  in  danger.  The  ability  of  a 
horse  to  stand  a  long  hard  chase  without  becoming  unduly  jaded 
and  able  to  "take"  high  fences  as  well  as  broad  ditches  adds  to  his 
market  value.  The  class  is  sub-divided  -into  light,  middle,  and 
heavy  weights,  the  divisions  being  determined  by  the  weight  they 
are  expected  to  carry. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — A  Hunter  should  have 
a  good  strong,  short  back,  an  oblique  shoulder  with  high  withers, 
a  long  croup,  be  strong  in  the  quarters,  and  have  good  flat  limbs 
with  plenty  of  substance.  The  neck  should  be  of  good  shape  and 
length  with  the  head  well  attached  and  carried  high.  _He  should 
measure  from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  higher  at  the  withers 


1908.} 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


145 


than  on  the  hips.  The  whole  bearing  of  the  horse  should  be  indi- 
cative of  strength  and  endurance.  Symmetry  and  smoothness  of 
conformation  is  desirable,  but  not  s,o  important  as  in  some  of  the 
other  divisions  of  the  Saddle  horse  class.  The  most  desirable 
height  for  a  Hunter  is  from  15-2  to  16  hands  and  weighing  from 
1000  to  1 200  pounds,  but  the  limits  in  height  may  vary  an  inch  or 
more  according  to  the  build  of  the  horse.  The  heavy  weight  Hunter 
is  usually  about  an  inch  taller  and  weighs  from  50  to  100 
pounds  more  than  the  light  weight,  the  middle  weight  being  inter- 
mediary. The  principal  qualifications  for  the  class  is  that  they 
possess  a  conformation  indicative  of  their  ability  to  carry  the  weight 


PLATE  37.  A  CHOICE  HEAVY  WEIGHT  HUNTER.  A  BLUE  RIBBON  HORSE  AT  PHILA- 
DELPHIA, PA.  HORSE  SHOW  1903.  THE  PHOTO  SHOWS  HIM  TO  BE  A  TRIFLE 
OVER  ON  THE  KNEES  WHICH  IS  OBJECTIONABLE.  HEIGHT  ABOUT  15-3  HANDS. 
WEIGHT  ABOUT  1175  POUNDS.  PHOTO  BY  COURTESY  OF  W.  HINCKLE  SMITH. 


146 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


147 


148  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

expected  of  them. "  A  light  weight  Hunter  is  expected  to  carry  not 
over  165  pounds,  a  middle  weight,  165  to  190  pounds,  and  a  heavy 
weight  190  pounds  or  over.  See  Plates  37,  38,  and  39. 

Demand. — Hunting  is  an  English  sport  and  has  not  been 
largely  followed  in  the  United  States  except  in  the  older  and  more 
hilly  sections,  consequently  the  home  demand  for  hunters  is  rather 
limited,  though  some  are  taken  for  export  trade.  In  the  gen- 
eral supply  of  horses  there  are  usually  enough  to  fairly  satisfy  the 
demand,  though  the  grade  is  not  so  good  as  desired.  The  Thor- 
oughbred horse  with  good  size  _and  strong  bone  is  best  suited  for 
the  production  of  hunters,  though  some  are  produced  from  the 
ranks  of  the  American  Saddle  Horse  or  American  Trotter. 

CAVALRY  HORSES 

American  horses  have  made  good  records  for  themselves  as 
faithful  and  enduring  servants  in  rank  and  file,  not  only  in  the 
American  army  but  in  the  British  army  as  well.  During  the  Span- 
ish-American War  remounts  of  "Uncle  Sam's"  troups  which  were 
sent  to  the  Philippine  Islands  stood  service  so  well  under  trying  con- 
ditions that  the  British  Government  was  attracted  to  them.  When 
the  South  African  war  broke  out  the  English  Government  executed 
large  orders  for  American  horses  to  be  sent  to  South  Africa  as 
"Troopers."  Here  they  maintained  their  supremacy  and  as  a  result 
large  numbers  have  been  taken  to  England  where  they  came  in  com- 
petition with  English  horses  on  their  native  soil. 

Many  of  the  Cavalry  horses  selected  for  export  have  been 
range  bred  and  not  of  the  best  type  and  conformation.  In  com- 
parison with  the  Cavalry  horses  selected  by  the  United  States  Gov- 
ernment for  army  use  most  of  them  would  grade  as  common  and 
medium,  and  a  few  grade  as  good.  The  Quartermaster  General  of 
the  war  department  has  sent  out  the  following  specifications  as  the 
requirements  for  an  American  Cavalry  horse : 

SPECIFICATIONS  FOR  CAVALRY  HORSES,  PREPARED  UNDER  DIRECTION  OF  THE  QUAR- 
TERMASTER GENERAL 

"The  cavalry  horse  must  be  sound,  well  bred,  of  a  superior  class,  and  have 
quality;  gentle  and  of  a  kind  disposition;  thoroughly  broken  to  the  saddle,  with 
light  and  elastic  mouth,  easy  gaits,  and  free  and  prompt  action  at  the  walk, 
trot,  and  gallop ;  free  from  vicious  habits,  without  material  blemish  or  defect ; 
and  otherwise  to  conform  to  the  following  description: 

A  gelding  of  uniform  and  hardy  color,  in  good  condition ;  from  four  to 
eight  years  old ;  weighing  from  950  to  1,100  pounds,  depending  on  height,  which 
should  be  from  15  to  15-3  hands. 


I9o8.} 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


149 


Head. — Small  and  well  set  on  neck;  with  ears  small,  thin,  neat  and  erect; 
forehead  broad  and  full;  eyes  large,  prominent,  and  mild,  with  well  developed 
brow  and  fine  eyelid;  vision  perfect  in  every  respect;  muzzle  small  and  fine; 
mouth  deep ;  lips  thin  and  firmly  compressed ;  nostrils  large  and  fine,  and 
branches  of  underjaw  (adjoining  neck)  wide  apart. 

Neck. — Light,  moderately  long,  and  tapering  toward  the  head,  with  crest 
firm  and  longer  than  underside ;  mane  fine  and  intact. 

Withers. — Elevated,  not  unduly  fine,  well  developed  and  muscled. 

Shoulders. — Long,  oblique,  and  well  muscled. 

Chest. — Full,  very  deep,  moderately  broad,  and  plump  in  front. 

Fore  Legs. — Vertical,  and  properly  placed ;  with  elbow  large,  long,  promi- 
nent, and  clear  of  chest ;  forearm  large  at  the  elbow,  long  and  heavily  muscled. 

Knees. — Neatly  outlined,  large,  prominent,  wide  in  front,  well  situated,  and 
well  directed. 

Back,  short,  straight,  and  well  muscled. 

Loins. — Broad,  straight,  very  short,  and  muscular. 

Barrel. — Large,  increasing  in  size  toward  the  flanks,  with  ribs  well  arched 
and  definitely  separated. 

Hind  Quarters. — Wide,  thick,  very  long,  full,  heavily  muscled,  rounded  ex- 
ternally, and  well  directed. 


PLATE  40.  A  CHOICE  CAVALRY  HORSE,  SELECTED  FOR  SERVICE  IN  THE  UNITED 
STATES  ARMY.  AN  EXCELLENT  TYPE.  HEIGHT  ABOUT  15-2  HANDS.  WEIGHT 
ABOUT  1 100  POUNDS. 


150 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January 


Tail. — Fine  and  intact,  well  carried  and  firm. 

Hocks. — Neatly  outlined,  lean,  large,  wide  from  front  to  rear,  well  situated, 
and  well  directed. 

Limbs. — From  knees  and  hocks  downward  vertical,  short,  wide  laterally, 
with  tendons  and  ligaments  standing  well  out  from  bone  and  distinctly  defined. 
Pasterns. — Strong  medium  length,  not  too  oblique,  and  well  directed. 

Feet. — Medium  size,  circular  in  shape,  sound ;  with  horn  dark,  smooth,  and  of 
fine  texture;  sole  moderately  concave,  and  frog  well  developed,  sound,  firm, 
large,  elastic,  and  healthy. 

Each  horse  will  be  subjected  to  a  rigid  inspection,  and  any  animal  that  does 
not  meet  the  above  requirements  should  be  rejected." 

Demand. — Cavalry  remounts  for  the  United  States  War  De- 
partment are  purchased  as  needed  through  contract  orders,  the  con- 
tract being  let  to  the  lowest  responsible  bidder.  In  filling  orders 
dealers  are  often  obliged  to  educate  many  of  the  recruits  to  the 
saddle  in  order  to  meet  the  specified  requirements.  During  the  five 
years  1901  to  1905  there  have  been  purchased  11,496  horses,  or  an 
average  of  2,299  Per  vear-  The  largest  purchase  in  a  single  year 
was  in  1901  when  4,179  head  were  secured.  It  will  be  seen  from 
the  illustrations,  Plates  40,  41  and  42,  that  the  Cavalry  horse  is  a 
closely  built,  compact  animal  with  plenty  of  substance  and  quality. 


PLATE  41.    A  CHOICE  CAVALRY   HORSE.     HEIGHT   ABOUT    15-2   HANDS.     WEIGHT 
ABOUT  iioo  POUNDS. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


151 


152 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES.  153 

POLO  PONIES 

These  are  the  smallest  horses  of  the  Saddle  horse  class  for 
which  there  is  a  recognized  market.  Polo  ponies  are  used  in  play- 
ing polo,  rendering  them  essentially  a  sporting  horse.  Here  again 
we  have  adopted  an  English  game  for  which  a  special  type  of 
horse  is  required.  There  are  four  essentials  a  Polo  pony  must  pos- 
sess; first,  a  specified  size;  second,  weight  carrying  ability;  third, 
agility;  fourth,  speed. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — The  rules  of  the  Ameri- 
can Polo  Association  limit  the  height  of  Polo  ponies  to  14-2  hands 
or  under,  but  of  late  years  the  rule  has  often  been  disregarded. 
It  is  not  uncommon  to  find  ponies  used  for  this  purpose  that  meas- 
ure one  or  two  inches  taller  than  the  maximum  height  prescribed. 
While  the  larger  ponies  may  have  the  advantage  in  weight  and 
speed  it  is  generally  conceded  by  the  best  players  that  they  are  not 
so  quick  to  stop  and  start,  a  very  important  requisite.  The  best 
height,  then,  is  not  more  than  one-half  inch  from  the  standard  either 
way  and  they  should  weigh  from- 850  to  1000  pounds.  For  strength 
they  should  possess  a  compact  conformation  with  good  bone  and 
quality,  rather  short  cannons  and  well  muscled  limbs.  They  must 
also  possess  a  marked  degree  of  intelligence  and  be  capable  of  ac- 
quiring an  education  or  they  will  be  worthless  for  polo. 

Action. — The  three  gaits  necessary  are  walk,  trot  and  gallop, 
They  must  be  quick  on  foot,  dexterous  at  starting,  stopping,  and 
turning.  While  swiftness  is  a  necessity,  agility  is  an  essential 
and  must  not  be  under-estimated.  See  Plate  43. 

Demand. — The  home  demand  is  not  large  enough  to  warrant 

very  extensive  operations  in  the  production  of  polo  ponies.     The 

demand  has  been  largely  and  fairly  satisfactorily  supplied   from 

>.   ponies  off  the  range  known  as  "Range  ponies;"  they  first  being 

r  thoroughly  educated.     Many  of  the  best  ones  are  produced  from 

*    the  cross  of  small  Thoroughbred  stallions  on  Range  mares. 

Miscellaneous  Horses 

Feeders. — Feeders  are  horses  thin  in  flesh  purchased  to  be  put 
in  condition  and  resold.  They  may  belong  to  any  of  the  above 
classes  but  as  a  matter  of  fact  the  practice  is  more  generally  fol- 
lowed with  the  fitting  for  sale  of  draft  horses,  chunks,  and  wagon 
horses.  The  old  adage  "a  little  fat  covers  a  multitude  of  defects" 
is  still  true;  the  value  of  flesh  when  put  on  thin  horses  can  hardly  be 
appreciated  unless  one  has  seen  them  fleshed  and  placed  again  on 


154 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


the  market.  Horses  to  be  classed  as  feeders  should  be  strong, 
healthy  animals  with  a  deep,  broad  chest,  a  deep  barrel  and  closely 
coupled,  indicating  a  capacity  to  utilize  large  quantities  of  feed. 
The  ribs  should  be  well  sprung,  the  back  short,  the  loin  broad  and 
strong,  the  quarters  deep,  and  thighs  broad.  The  shoulders  should 
be  long  and  the  distance  between  the  points  broad  according  to  the 
class  to  "which  the  horse  belongs.  The  head  should  be  of  moderate 
size  which  may  appear  large  in  thin  horses.  The  bone  should 
possess  quality  and  be  of  sufficient  size  so  that  there  may  be  no  ap- 
pearance of  top  heaviness  in  the  horse  when  he  is  fat.  The  feet 
should  be  sound,  large,  and  of  good  shape.  In  order  to  be  good 
feeders  they  should  have  a  quiet  mild  disposition.  See  Plates  44 
and  45. 

Range  Horses. — During  certain  seasons  of  the  year  there  may 
be  found  on  the  market  horses  bred  and  reared  on  the  range,  com- 
monly known  as  "Range  Horses."  They  are  divided  into  two  gen- 
eral classes,  viz. :  Light,  and  heavy,  according  to  the  predominance 


PLATEX44-      A  GOOD  FEEDER.      NOTE  PLATE  12,  WHICH   IS  THE  SAME  HORSE  SEVENTY-FIVE 
DAYS   LATER,  IN   MARKET  CONDITION. 


1908.} 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


155 


PLATE  45.     A  GOOD  FEEDER  OR  FARM  MARE.     NOTE  PLATE  8,  WHICH  is  THE  SAME 

HORSE    SEVENTY-FIVE    DAYS    LATER. 

of  light  or  draft  horse  blood.  For  the  sale  ring  each  of  these 
classes  is  divided  into  car  lots  as  follows :  "Colts,"  meaning  wean- 
lings; "Ones,"  the  yearlings;  "Twos,"  the  two-year-olds;  "Dry 
Stuff,"  the  three-year-olds  and  over,  those  not  sucking  colts; 
and  "Mares  and  Colts,"  the  brood  mare  with  colts  at  foot.  In  the 
auction  ring  the  price  is  stated  per  head  and  the  buyer  takes  the  en- 
tire lot.  Most  of  the  Range  horses  find  their  way  to  the  country 
where  they  are  usually  broken  and  when  educated  may  be  returned 
to  the  market  and  may  fill  the  demand  for  some  of  the  commercial 
classes.  See  Plates  50,  51,  52,  53,  54,  and  55. 

Ponies. — Ponies  of  various  grades  and  breeding  are  frequently 
found  on  the  market  and  are  usually  bought  for  the  use  of  children 
and  ladies.  The  characteristics  distinguishing  ponies  from  horses 
are  not  easily  described,  but  to  the  discerning  eye  the  "ear  marks" 
are  perfectly  evident  at  a  glance.  The  principal  distinguishing  feat- 
ure most  generally  accepted  by  authorities  is  that  of  height,  a  pony 
being  14  hands  or  under.  But  there  are  dwarf  horses  that  do  not 
have  pony  blood  or  characteristics  that  come  within  these  limits. 


156 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


PLATE  46.    A  CHOICE  RANGE  BRED  PONY.     HEIGHT  13-2  HANDS.    WEIGHT  850  POUNDS. 


PLATE  47.    A  GOOD  CHILD'S  PONY.     HEIGHT  12  HANDS.     WEIGHT  685  POUNDS. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


157 


158 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


Other  pony  characteristics  are  a  deep  body  with  rounding  barrel, 
heavily  muscled  in  thighs  and  quarters,  croup  not  drooping  and  width 
well  carried  out,  all  of  which  the  small  horse  does  not  usually  pos- 
sess. The  neck  is  usually  short  and  heavy,  though  this  is  not  a  de- 
sirable quality.  Ponies  are  essentially  children's  horses  and  because 
of  this  they  must  be  kind  and  gentle  in  disposition  and  with  as  much 
spirit  as  is  compatible,  for  their  use.  There  are  no  special  require- 
ments for  weight,  the  limits  being  quite  wide.  They  should  be 
straight  line  movers  and  the  more  knee  and  hock  action  they  possess 
the  greater  they  will  be  appreciated  and  the  higher  prices  they  will 
bring,  other  things  being  equal.  See  Plates  46,  47,  and  48.  The 
Indian  pony  or  "Cayuse"  as  he  is  sometimes  called,  is  larger  and 
a  descendant  from  the  native  Range  stock,  and  is  classed  on  the 
market  as  a  Range  pony. 

Plugs. — Plugs  are  worn  out  decrepit  horses  with  but  little  value. 
They  are  too  familiar  a  type  to  need  description.  See  Plate  49. 

Weeds. — Weeds  are  leggy  and  ill-proportioned  horses  lacking 
in  the  essential  qualities,  such  as  constitution  and  substance ;  hence, 
they  have  but  very  little  value  for  breeding  or  for  service  of  any 
kind. 


PLATE  49.    A  PLUG  HORSE. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


159 


160 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


P-. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


161 


PL. 


162 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES. 


163 


b 

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C/) 

I 

5 

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w 

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PL, 


164 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


165 


PART  II 

MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES 
Introduction 

The  mule  market,  though  of  more  recent  origin  than  the  horse 
market,  has  grown  to  be  a  business  of  great  magnitude  and  import- 
ance. In  some  respects  the  trading  in  mules  differs  from  the  trad- 
ing in  horses  while  in  others  it  is  similar.  Mules  are  not  often  sold  in 
the  market  at  public  auction  to  the  highest  bidder  but  are  negotiated 
for  at  private  sale  and  are  sold  singly,  in  pairs  or  in  any  number  to 
suit  the  wants  of  the  customer.  It  is  not  uncommon  to  see  an  order 
executed  for  several  car  loads  at  a  time.  When  large  numbers  are 
wanted  of  a  uniform  height  and  weight,  of  a  certain  market  class, 
they  are  most  often  sold  at  a  stated  price  per  head  for  the  entire  lot ; 
the  salesman  giving  a  guarantee  as  to  age,  soundness,  etc.  When 
the  order  is  for  different  sizes  or  for  different  market  classes,  then 
they  will  most  likely  be  figured  individually  or  in  pairs  as  the  case 
may  be. 


PLATE  56.    A  CHOICE  MINING  MULE,  AND  TYPICAL  OF  THE  CLASS.    HEIGHT  14-2  HANDS. 
WEIGHT  ABOUT  1100  POUNDS. 


166 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


Market  Requirements 


[January, 


The  market  requirements  for  mules  are  approximately  the  same 
as  those  for  horses.  To  sell  well  they  must  be  sound,  of  a  market- 
able age,  be  in  good  flesh,  have  a  sleek  coat  of  hair,  possess  quality 
and  a  conformation  indicative  of  strength  and  endurance  and  be  of 
a  desirable  color.  They  should  also  have  straight  line  action  and 
be  of  a  class  for  which  there  is  an  active  demand.  The  require- 
ments are  discussed  more  in  detail  below. 

Soundness. — Serviceably  sound  is  practically  all  that  is  looked 
for,  but  any  unsightly  blemish  is  objectionable  though  not  in  the 
same  degree  as  with  horses.  Mules  are  rarely  used  for  pleasure 
purposes  but  almost  entirely  as  beasts  of  burden.  Because  of  this 
fact  slight  blemishes  such  as  do  not  interfere  with  their  usefulness 
receive  but  little  consideration  and  do  not  materially  affect  their 
market  value.  They  must  be  sound  in  wind  and  eyes  and  must  be 
good  workers.  The  most  common  unsoundness  looked  for  and 


PLATE  57.    A  CHOICE  MINING  MULE.    NOTE  HIS  HEAVY  BONE,  LARGE  FEET  AND  RUGGED- 
NESS   THROUGHOUT,   COMBINED    WITH    QUALITY,  ALL  OF   WHICH   ARE  VERY   DESIRABLE 

IN  THIS  CLASS.     HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.    WEIGHT  ABOUT  1300  POUNDS. 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


167 


discriminated  against  are  large  spavins,  puffs,  side  bones,  ring- 
bones, bad  eyes,  and  unsound  wind. 

Age. — The  most  saleable  age  for  mules  is  from  four  to  eight 
years  old,  however,  there  are  exceptions  in  some  classes  as  noted 
below. 

Condition. — The  appearance  of  mules  is  greatly  influenced  by 
their  condition  and  they  are  much  better  appreciated  if  they  carry 
enough  flesh  to  round  out  their  bodies,  and  possess  a  sleek  glossy 
coat  of  hair  which  is  often  estimated  to  be  worth  ten  dollars.  The 
flesh  should  be  put  on  smoothly,  showing  no  "patchiness  or  rolls." 
The  estimated  value  of  flesh  put  on  mules  is  about  equal  to  that  put 
on  draft  horses — which  is  twenty-five  gents  per  pound  with  a  good 
grade  of  horses.  A  great  many  mule  dealers  are  making  good 
profits  by  fattening  and  conditioning  mules  for  market,  hence  it  is 
evident  that  mule  owners  who  allow  their  mules  to  go  to  market  in 
thin  flesh  are  losing  a  source  of  profit.  Since  flesh  cannot  be  put  on 
as  cheaply  in  the  city  as  in  the  country  near  the  source  of  supplies, 
the  farmer's  profit  should  be  even  greater  than  that  of  a  city 
dealer. 


PLATE  58.  A  CHOICE  16-1  HAND  MINER  OR  DRAFT  MULE.  WEIGHT  ABOUT  1350  POUNDS. 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


23  ~ 


PLATE  59.  A  MEDIUM  "FITTER."  THIS  MULE  is  RATHER  PLAIN  IN  HEAD  AND  LACKS 
THE  RUGGEDNESS  DESIRED  IN  CHOICE  ANIMALS  OF  THIS  CLASS,  HAVING  LIGHT  BONE 
AND  RATHER  SMALL  FEET.  ALSO  NOTE  HIS  SHORT,  DROOPING  CROUP.  HEIGHT  I2-I 
HANDS.  WEIGHT  ABOUT  600  POUNDS. 

Quality. — Quality  in  mules  has  the  same  meaning  as  in  horses 
but  is  not  of  equal  importance.  Evidence  of  an  abundance  of 
quality  is  desired  as  an  indication  of  good  bone  and  endurance. 

Conformation. — The  conformation  required  in  mules  will  de- 
pend somewhat  upon  the  market  class  to  which  they  belong.  All 
mules  should  have  a  large  chest,  a  long  shoulder,  a  deep  barrel,  a 
straight  short  back  with  as  much  spring  of  rib  as  possible,  a  broad 
loin,  and  a  long  croup  which  should  not  be  too  drooping.  The  un- 
derline should  be  comparatively  straight,  the  rear  flank  well  let 
down,  and  the  thighs  and  quarters  heavily  muscled.  The  limbs 
should  possess  substance  with  quality,  the  feet  should  be  large  and 
sound,  the  hoofs  smooth  and  not  contracted  at  the  heel  giving  room 
for  a  large  well  developed  frog;  the  conformation,  muscling  and 
set  of  legs  should  be  approximately  the  same  as  in  horses.  The 
head  of  a  mule  is  a  good  index  of  his  disposition  and  temperament ; 
it  should  not  be  too  fine,  but  rather  one  of  good  size,  yet  possessing 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


169 


quality.  The  forehead  should  be  broad  and  flat,  and  the  nose 
slightly  Roman  which  indicates  stamina  and  strength  of  character. 
Mules  having  a  broad  forehead  and  a  Roman  nose  with  light  col- 
oring running  well  up  toward  the  bridge  are  usually  considered 
more  reliable  and  agreeable  workers  than  those  not  possessing  these 
characteristics.  The  ears  should  be  long,  thin,  tapering  to  the  point, 
and  carried  erect ;  the  neck  long,  with  a  moderate  crest,  and  should 
meet  the  shoulder  smoothly  giving  a  suitable  place  for  the  set  of  the 
collar.  The  mane  should  be  reached,  and  tail  clipped  in  the  regular 
manner  but  with  not  too  short  a  bush. 

Color. — The  color  of  mules  is  not  an  important  factor,  all  mules 
of  solid  color  except  white  are  in  good  demand.  Dapple  grays  are 
quite  popular  in  the  Draft  class  but  as  a  general  rule,  bays,  browns 
and  chestnuts  are  most  desirable,  while  flea-bitten  grays  are  dis- 
criminated against. 

Action. — Action  counts  for  very  little  in  market  mules  so  long 
as  they  are  not  sore  in  limbs  or  feet  and  possess  vigor  and  energy 
in  their  movements.  They  should  be  straight  line  movers  and  those 
which  are  not  because  of  badly  set  legs  or  feet  are  not  desirable. 


PLATE  60.  A  GOOD  PIT  MULE.  A  BETTER  COUPLED  MULE,  HAVING  STRONGER  BACK  AND 
LOINS  AND  LONGER  CROUP  THAN  PLATE  5Q.  THIS  MULE  ALSO  LACKS  THE  RUGGED- 
NESS  OF  BONE  AND  STRENGTH  OF  NECK  DESIRED  BY  THIS  CLASS.  HEIGHT  12-2 
HANDS.  WEIGHT  ABOUT  650  POUNDS. 


170  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

Market  Classes 

The  market  classes  of  mules  are  determined  by  the  use  to  which 
they  are  put,  but  in  order  for  a  class  to  exist  there  must  be  a  de- 
mand for  sufficient  numbers  of  a  definite  type.  In  the  East  St. 
Louis  market,  which  is  the  largest  mule  market  in  the  world,  there 
are  five  market  classes,  viz :  mining  mules,  cotton  mules,  sugar 
mules,  farm  mules,  and  draft  mules.  As  with  horses,  the  class  em- 
bodies groups  of  mules  of  a  general  type,  while  the  grades  are  di- 
visions of  the  class  and  refer  to  quality,  conformation,  condition, 
and  action. 

MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES 

CLASSES  GRADES 

f  Choice 
I   Good 
MINING  MULES '.  j   Medium 

I    Common 
t  Inferior 

f  Choice 

I   Good 
COTTON  MULES \  Medium 

|   Common 
i.  Inferior 

f  Choice 
j   Good 

SUGAR  MULES \  Medium 

I   Common 
[.  Inferior 

f  Choice 
j  Good 
FARM  MULES <!   Medium 

j   Common 
(^  Inferior 

f  Choice 
j  Good 
DRAFT  MULES \   Medium 

Common 

Inferior 

Mining  Mules 

Mules  purchased  with  which  to  operate  mines  are  called  Min- 
ing mules;  their  principal  use  being  to  haul  cars  of  ore  or  coal  to 
the  hoisting  shafts. 


1908.} 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


171 


Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Mining  mules  are  rug- 
ged, have  deep  bodies  and  short  legs,  and  are  compactly  built  with 
heavy  bone  and  large  feet.  They  stand  from  12  to  16  hands  high 
and  weigh  from  600  to  1350  pounds.  A  good  weight  for  a  12 
hand  mining  mule  is  650  pounds  while  a  15-2  hand  "miner" 
should  weigh  from  1125  to  1225  pounds.  Those  used  down  in 
the  mines  are  termed  "pit  mules,"  the  height  of  which  will  be  de- 
termined by  the  depth  of  the  vein  worked.  They  are  most  preferred 
from  5  to  8  years  old  but  a  well  developed  four-year-old  or  a  well 
preserved  ten-year-old  is  often  accepted.  Geldings  are  much  pre- 
ferred to  mare  mules  for  this  trade.  Bad  wire  marks  on  feet  are 
severely  discriminated  against  as  they  are  likely  to  become  sore 
from  contact  with  the  sulphur  and  other  chemicals  in  the  mine. 
See  Plates  56,  57,  58,  59,  and  60. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Mining  mules  is  strong  and  quite 
constant  through  all  seasons  of  the  year  and  comes  from  all  sec- 
tions where  mines  are  operated.  Since  the  supply  is  not  equal  to  the 
demand,  sales  are  usually  made  at  satisfactory  prices. 


A  GOOD    14-2   HAND   COTTON   MULE.      NOTE  THE  SHORT,   DROOPING  CROUP  AND 
TRIFLE  HIGH  CUT  FLANK,  WHICH   ARE  UNDESIRABLE.      WEIGHT  Q5O  POUNDS. 


172 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


Cotton  Mules 


[January, 


Small  mules  that  are  lighter  boned  and  not  so  compactly  built 
as  "Miners"  are  classed  on  the  market  as  "Cotton  mules." 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Cotton  mules  should  have 
small,  neat  heads  and  possess  much  quality  and  finish  which  is  also 
evidenced  in  their  entire  conformation;  their  feet  are  smaller  and 
bodies  lighter  in  proportion  to  their  height  than  the  "Miners." 
Cotton  mules  stand  from  13-2  to  15-2  hands  high  and  weigh  from 
750  to  1 100  pounds.  They  are  most  desired  from  3  to  7  years  old, 
but  well  preserved  mules  find  ready  sale  up  to  12  years  of  age. 
Mare  mules  sell  better  than  geldings  in  this  class.  See  Plates  61 
and  62. 


PLATE  62.    A  CHOICE  COTTON  MULE,  SOMETIMES  SPOKEN  OF  AS  EXTRA  CHOICE.    NOTE 
THE  QUALITY  AND  FINISH   REQUIRED   IN   THIS   CLASS.     HEIGHT    15-1    HANDS. 
WEIGHT  ABOUT  1050  POUNDS. 


igo8.}  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES.  173 

Demand. — The  trade  for  cotton  mules  begins  about  the  first  of 
September  and  continues  good  throughout  the  fall  and  winter 
months,  then  gradually  decreases  until  after  the  cotton  crop  is 
planted  or  about  April.  From  this  time  on  the  demand  is  light  until 
the  following  fall.  Cotton  mules  are  used  largely  by  cotton  grow- 
ers to  plant,  cultivate,  and  harvest  the  cotton  crop,  but  a  great  many 
never  see  a  cotton  field  being  taken  for  use  on  delivery  wagons  in 
cities  and  for  other  purposes. 


PLATE  63.    A  GOOD  FOUR-YEAR-OLD,  15-2  HAND  FARM  MULE.     NOTE  THE  SIMILARITY 

OF   CONFORMATION    TO    COTTON    MULES.     WEIGHT    ABOUT    IO5O   POUNDS. 


Sugar  Mules 

Mules  purchased  to  ship  south  to  be  used  on  the  sugar  farms 
of  Georgia,  Louisiana,  and  other  southern  states  are  classed  on  the 
market  as  "Sugar  mules." 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Sugar  mules  are  taller, 
larger  and  more  breedy  looking  with  quality  and  finish  and  have 
heavier  bone  than  Cotton  mules.  The  feet  should  be  large  in  pro- 
portion to  the  bone,  but  since  the  bone  is  lighter  they  need  not  be 


174 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


so  large  as  the  feet  of  "Miners."  They  stand  from  16  to  17  hands 
high  and  weigh  from  1150  to  1300  pounds.  Mare  mules  are  most 
desired  for  this  trade  and  they  should  be  from  3  to  6  years  old. 
See  Plates  64  and  65. 


PLATE  64.    A  CHOICE  SUGAR  MULE.    HEIGHT  16  HANDS.    WEIGHT  ABOUT  1175  POUNDS. 

Demand. — Sugar  mules  being  larger  and  possessing  more  qual- 
ity and  finish  than  Cotton  mules  sell  for  a  little  more  money.  The 
trade  for  Sugar  mules  begins  in  August  or  about  a  month  earlier 
than  that  for  Cotton  mules  and  usually  ends  aboj.it  February.  The 
season  of  greatest  activity  is  September,  October  and  November, 
after  which  the  demand  gradually  diminishes. 

Farm  Mules 

Mules  purchased  to  be  taken  to  the  country  of  the  central  states 
for  agricultural  purposes  are  known  on  the  market  as  "Farm 
mules."  They  are  probably  more  lacking  in  uniformity  of  type 
than  the  other  classes  as  farmers  usually  like  to  buy  animals  with  a 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


175 


good  deal  of  outcome  (i.  e.,  prospect  of  developing  into  more  val- 
uable animals.) 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Farm  mules  are  usually 
from  15-2  to  1 6  hands  high  and  from  3  to  6  years  old,  4  year  olds 
being  generally  preferred.  They  are  likely  to  be  plain  looking  and 
thin  in  flesh,  though  possessing  good  constitution,  bone  and  feet, 
and  the  qualities  necessary  for  a  good  outcome.  Many  of  them  are 
worked  for  a  time,  then  fattened  and  returned  to  the  market ;  when 
fat,  many  make  good  "Miners,"  Sugar  mules,  or  Cotton  mules. 
See  Plates  63,  66,  and  67. 


PLATE  65.    A  CHOICE  SUGAR  MULE.    NOTE  THE  QUALITY  AND  FINISH,  COMBINED  WITH 

SIZE  DESIRED  IN  THIS  CLASS.      HEIGHT    l6-I   HANDS.      WEIGHT  ABOUT   1200  POUNDS. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  this  class  is  not  large,  the  strongest 
trade  occuring  during  the  late  winter  and  spring  months.  The  price 
farmers  are  usually  willing  to  pay  prevents  them  from  getting  the 
very  best  animals,  consequently  the  trade  is  largely  for  the  common 
and  medium  grades. 


176 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


PLATE  66.    A  CHOICE  FARM  MULE.    HEIGHT  15-3  HANDS.  WEIGHT  ABOUT  1150  POUNDS. 

DRAFT  MULES 

Draft  mules  are  large,  heavy  boned,  heavy  set  mules  with  plenty 
of  quality  that  are  purchased  by  firms  and  people  having  heavy 
teaming  work.  Many  of  them  are  used  by  contractors  doing  rail- 
road grading  and  consequently  are  often  spoken  of  as  "railroad 
mules."  They  are  also  used  quite  extensively  for  heavy  teaming 
in  cities  in  warm  climates,  they  doing  the  same  work  as  draft  horses 
but  being  preferred  to  horses  as  they  are  hardier  and  able  to  stand 
the  hot  sun  better  and  are  not  subject  to  as  many  ills. 

Conformation,  Height,  and  Weight. — Draft  mules  stand  from 
1 6  to  17-2  hands  high  and  weigh  from  1200  to  1600  pounds  and 
upwards.  As  in  Draft  horses,  the  principal  quality  sought  is  com- 
bined weight  and  strength.  They  should  be  large  and  rugged 
with  heavy  bone  and  strong  muscles,  the  feet  should  be  large,  the 
back  short  and  strong,  the  middle  deep  and  closely  coupled,  the 
croup  not  too  drooping,  and  thighs  and  quarters  heavily  muscled. 
They  are  most  desired  from  5  to  8  years  old,  and  but  little  prefer- 
ence is  shown  regarding  sex.  See  Plates  69  and  70. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


177 


PLATE  67.    A  GOOD  FARM  MULE.  IF  THIS  MULE  WERE  FAT  HE  WOULD  FILL  THE  REQUIRE- 
MENTS FOR  A  MINER.    HEIGHT  15-2  HANDS.     WEIGHT  ABOUT  iioo  POUNDS. 


PLATE  68.    AN  INFERIOR  PLUG  MULE. 


178 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


PLATE  69.    A  CHOICE  DRAFT  MULE.    NOTE  HIS  RUGGEDNESS,  BUT  THE  CUT  DOES  NOT  DO 

HIM   JUSTICE  AS  TO  SIZE.      HEIGHT   17   HANDS.      WEIGHT   1500  POUNDS. 

Demand. — The  demand  for  Draft  mules  is  strong  and  quite 
constant  through  all  seasons  of  the  year.  As  their  value  becomes 
appreciated  the  trade  is  increasing  and  gradually  widening  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States. 


PLUGS 

Plugs  are  worn  out,  cheap  mules  that  have  but  little  value.  They 
usually  are  unsound  in  one  or  more  respects,  are  very  plain  and 
rough  in  conformation,  and  may  have  considerable  age.  They  are 
altogether  too  common  to  need  further  description.  See  Plate  68 


1908.] 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  MULES. 


EXPORT  MUI.ES 


179 


The  export  trade  in  mules  has  been  of  considerable  importance 
during  the  past  few  years.  The  principal  countries  to  which  large 
shipments  have  been  made,  are  South  Africa,  Philippine  Islands, 
Cuba,  and  Alaska.  The  size  and  type  of  mules  exported  is  deter- 
mined by  the  use  to  which  they  are  put,  and  the  country  to  which 
they  are  sent.  It  is  then  apparent  that  they  lack  uniformity  of 
type,  since  some  are  used  for  army  service,  some  for  agricultural 
purposes,  some  for  heavy  teaming,  and  others  for  use  in  mines. 


PLATE  70.    A  CHOICE  DRAFT  MULE.     HEIGHT  18-2  HANDS.     WEIGHT  1900  POUNDS. 

NOTE  HIS  SMOOTHNESS  OF  FORM,  COMBINED  WITH  QUALITY  AND  FINISH  FOR  A  MULE 
OF  SUCH  UNUSUAL  SIZE.      MANY  GOOD  JUDGES   HAVE  PRONOUNCED   HIM   UNEQUALED. 


180 


BULLETIN  No.  122. 


[January, 


/po<S.]  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES  AND  MULES.  181 

GLOSSARY  OF    SOME    HORSE    AND    MULE    MARKET 

TERMS. 

A  bull. — A  horse  so  windy  that  he  cannot  stand  much  exertion 
without  choking. 

A  few  Imirs  off. — A  skin  blemish  not  haired  over;  usually  a 
wire  mark  which  may  be  either  large  or  small. 

A  hole  in. — Used  in  speaking  of  an  animal  that  is  believed  to  be 
defective  in  some  manner  but  at  present  it  is  not  apparent. 

An  Indian. — A  wild  or  vicious  horse  difficult  to  handle  in  or 
out  of  the  stall. 

At  the  halter. — See  No.  6,  auction  rules. 

Beefy  hocks. — Thick  meaty  hocks  lacking  in  quality. 

Bench  legged. — See  knock  kneed. 

Blue  eye. — An  unsound  eye  with  blue  appearance.  The  sight 
may  or  may  not  be  entirely  gone. 

Bobber  or  jig  back. — A  horse  or  mule  that  wobbles  in  hind 
quarters  when  he  moves  due  to  an  unsound  or  weak  back  in  the 
region  of  the  loin. 

Boggy  in  hocks. — Bog  spavins. 

Bow  legged. — Too  wide  apart  at  the  knees,  the  opposite  of 
knock  kneed. 

Bowed  tendon. — An  enlarged  tendon  back  of  the  cannon  due 
to  an  injury. 

Broken  knees. — Knees  which  have  had  the  skin  broken  from  a 
fall  or  a  bruise  and  much  enlarged. 

Buck  kneed.- — Knees  bent  forward  when  standing. 

Bull  pen. — An  auction  ring  at  any  market  where  "horses  are  sold. 

Bush. — To  deduct  a  part  of  a  stated  sale  price  on  account  of  a 
blemish  or  unsoundness  not  mentioned  or  not  apparent  at  time  of 
sale,  or  for  other  reasons. 

Calf  kneed. — Knees  bent  too  far  back, — the  opposite  of  buck 
kneed. 

Capped  hock. — The  point  of  the  hock  back  of  the  web  enlarged. 
Caused  by  a  bruise  of  the  bursa, 

Car  bruise. — Bruised  in  car  in  shipping.  If  freshly  done  swell- 
ing and  inflammation  will  be  present. 

Cartilage. — Prominent  lateral  cartilage  or  incipient  side  bone. 

Chancy. — Purchased  at  a  moderate  price  because  of  an  uncer- 
.  tainty  with  prospects  for  developing  into  something  good. 

Cock  ankle. — Standing  bent  forward  on  the  fetlocks, — more 
often  on  the  hind  ones. 


182  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

Coon  footed. — Long  and  very  low  pasterns. 

Coupling. — The  space  or  connection  between  the  dorsal  vertebrae 
and  the  pelvis  on  top  of  the  back.  An  animal  that  has  a  long 
coupling  is  too  long  in  the  lumbar  vertebrae  This  is  best  measured 
by  the  distance  of  last  rib  from  hip. 

Cow  hocked. — Standing  with  hocks  together  and  hind  toes  out. 

Crampy. — In  hind  legs. — raising  either  one  or  both  legs  up 
with  a  jerk.  More  apparent  when  the  animal  has  been  standing 
and  is  cool. 

In  the  back. — When  the  head  is  elevated  and  the  animal  is  com- 
pelled to  move  backward  he  raises  his  tail  and  shows  a  quivering  of 
the  flanks,  soreness  of  the  loin  and  an  inclination  to  drag  his  feet. 

Cribber. — An  animal  having  the  vice  of  biting  or  setting  the 
teeth  against  something  and  "sucking  wind." 

Cross  firing. — Hitting  one  of  the  fore  feet  with  the  opposite 
hind  foot  when  traveling. 

Curb. — An  injury  or  sprain  of  the  ligament  at  the  back  of  the 
hock  which  usually  causes  an  enlargement. 

Curby  hock. — The  back  of  the  hock  is  rounding  when  viewed 
from  the  side. 

Cushion. — An  enlarged  bursa  occurring  just  below  the  hock 
near  the  forward  edge  on  the  outside  of  the  cannon.  A  Michi- 
gan pad. 

Cutting. — Interfering. 

Docked. — Having  the  end  of  the  tail  cut  off. 

Docked  and  set. — By  an  operation  the  end  of  the  tail  is  cut  off 
and  the  stump  is  set  up. 

Dummy. — A  horse  whose  brain  is  affected,  the  cause  usually 
being  overfeeding  and  lack  of  exercise.  The  symptoms  are  listless- 
ness  and  hesitancy  in  moving;  a  vacant  stare  in  the  eyes  and  a 
proneness  to  cock  the  ears  and  look  sideways  and  upward ;  also,  the 
holding  of  hay  and  feed  in  the  mouth  without  any  attempt  at  mas- 
tication. 

Hive  neck. — A  deficiency  of  muscling  causing  a  depression  at 
the  top  of  the  neck  just  in  front  of  the  withers. 

Falls  out  of  bed. — Pulls  back  on  halter  rope. 

Feather  in  eye. — A  mark  across  the  eyeball  not  touching  the 
pupil,  often  caused  by  an  injury.  It  may  or  may  not  impair  the 
sight. 

Filled  in  hocks. — May  mean  either  bog  spavins  or  thorough- 
pins  though  most  generally  the  former. 

Fistula.— Fistulous  withers.  An  abscess  occurring  in  the  region 
of  the  withers. 


MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES  AND  MULES.  183 

Forging. — Striking  the  front  shoes  with  the  toe  of  the  hind 
ones. 

Founder. — Inflammation  of  the  feet  causing  lameness.  Tech- 
nically known  as  laminitis. 

Glass-eye. — See  wall-eye. 

Goose  rump. — A  short  steep  croup  and  narrow  ?.t  point  of  the 
buttock. 

Gristle. — An  incipient  side  bone. 

Halter  puller. — Pulls  back  on  halter  rope. 

Hand. — 4  inches.  Horses  are  measured  at  the  highest  point 
on  the  withers  in  terms  of  hands.  14-2  would  mean  14  hands  and 
2  inches,  or  58  inches. 

Heavey. — Having  the  heaves. 

Hipped. — Having  the  point  of  one  hip  broken  over  so  that  it 
appears  lower  than  when  normal.  It  does  not  materially  impair 
usefulness. 

Hitching. — Having  a  shorter  stride  in  one  hind  leg  than  the 
other. 

Hog  back. — A  reached  back,  the  opposite  from  sway  back. 

Hollow  back. — A  sway  back. 

Interfering. — Striking  the  fetlock  or  cannon  with  the  opposite 
foot  as  it  passes,  either  in  front  or  behind. 

Jack. — A  bone  spavin. 

Jibber. — An  unguidable  horse,  often  "green." 

Knee  banger. — One  that  interferes, — hitting  his  knees. 

Knee  sprung. — Over  on  the  knees  caused  by  relaxation  of  the 
extensor  muscles, — sometimes  spoken  of  as  buck  knees. 

Knock  kneed. — The  front  legs  bent  in .  at  the  knees  with  feet 
wide  apart.  Sometimes  called  bench  legged. 

Legs  go. — See  No.  5,  auction  rules. 

Light  in  the  timber. — Light  boned  especially  in  the  cannons. 

Little  green. — Not  thoroughly  broken.  Often  means  an  animal 
that  will  not  pull. 

Lugger. — One  that  pulls  or  lugs  on  the  bit. 

Lunker. — An  exceptionally  big  heavy  boned  horse. 

Makes  a  little  noise. — A  very  little  windy. 

Michigan  pad. — A  puff  or  cushion  that  occurs  just  below  the 
hock  on  the  outside  of  the  hind  cannon  near  the  forward  edge.  The 
same  as  outside  cushion. 

Moon  blindness. — Periodic  opthalmia. 

Nicked. — An  operation  severing  the  cords  on  one  side  of  the 
tail  to  straighten  it. 


13*  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

Nigger  heeled. — Front  toes  turned  out,  heels  in. 

Old  skin  or  skate. — A  worn  out  animal. 

Outside  cushion. — The  same  as  cushion  or  Michigan  pad. 

Over  reach. — Reaching  farther  forward  with  the  hind  feet  in 
traveling  than  where  the  front  ones  were  picked  up. 

Paddle.— Winging  out  with  the  front  feet. 

Parrot  mouth. — The  upper  sub-maxillary  longer  than  the  lower 
jaw. 

Periodic  opthalmia. — Inflammatory  affection  of  the  interior  of 
the  eye.  It  usually  disappears  in  a  week  or  ten  days  and  returns 
again  in  a  few  weeks.  The  cycles  are  often  completed  in  about  a 
month  and  because  of  this  fact  many  people  believe  the  trouble  is  in 
some  way  related  to  the  moon  changes,  hence  the  name  "moon 
blindness." 

Pig  eye. — A  small  eye  set  too  much  in  the  head  and  with  thick 
eyelids.  It  accompanies,  in  general,  animals  with  a  lymphatic  tem- 
perament and  with  imperfect  vision. 

Pigeon  toed. — Front  toes  turned  in, — the  opposite  of  nigger 
heeled. 

Pink  eye. — A  disease  causing  a  white  skum  to  form  over  the 
eye  often  causing  blindness. 

Poll  evil. — A  fistulous  condition  or  abscess  on  or  near  the  poll. 

Pones. — Lumps  of  fat  on  a  mule's  body. 

Posting. — Rising  and  falling  in  the  saddles  with  each  alterna- 
tive step  when  the  horse  is  trotting. 

Puffs. — Wind  galls,  bog  spavins,  or  thoroughpins. 

Quarter  crack. — A  vertical  crack  on  the  side  of  the  hoof  often 
running  to  coronet. 

Quitter. — A  fistulous  opening  upon  the  heel  or  coronary  band 
of  the  foot. 

Rat  tail. — A  tail  with  but  little  hair. 

Rejects. — Animals  not  rilling  the  guarantee  and  consequently 
turned  back  on  the  hands  of  the  seller. 

Rickety. — The  same  as  bobber  or  jig  back. 

Ringbone. — A  bony  growth  on  the  upper  or  lower  pastern  bones 
and  most  always  causing  lameness. 

Ripper. — An  exceptionally  good  big  animal. 

Roach  back. — See  hog  back. 

Roarer. — Defective  in  wind.    Very  windy. 

Rough  behind. — Having  a  bone  spavin. 

Rounding  hock. — Having  a  curb. 

Sand  crack. — A  vertical  crack  in  the  middle  of  the  hoof  often 
running  to  coronet. 


/poS.]  MARKET  CLASSES  AND  GRADES  OF  HORSES  AND  MULES.  185 

Scalping. — When  speeding,  the  horse  strikes  the  front  side  of 
the  hind  coronet,  pastern  or  cannon  against  the  front  toe.  Also, 
applied  to  a  trader  that  buys  and  sells  animals  on  the  market. 

Seam  in  hoof. — A  scar  in  hoof  from  an  injury  of  some  kind, 
such  as  cracks,  wire  marks,  calks,  etc. 

Seedy  toe. — A  separation  of  the  walls  of  the  toe  from  the  sen- 
sitive laminae.  Very  often  the  end  of  the  toes  turns  slightly  up. 

Serpentine. — An  animal  that  extends  and  withdraws  his 
tongue  as  a  serpent. 

Serviceable  sound. — See  No.  2,  auction  rules. 

Shoe  boil. — A  bruise  at  elbow  which  results  in  an  abscess, 
caused  from  the  animal  lying  on  his  foot  in  such  a  way  that  the 
heel  of  the  shoe  strikes  the  elbow. 

Sickle  hock. — Too  much  .bend  in  the  hock.  A  conformation 
predisposed  to  curbs. 

Side  bone. — An  ossified  lateral  cartilage  occurring  on  either 
side  at  the  top  of  the  foot. 

Slab  sided. — Flat  ribbed. 

Smoke  his  pipe. — An  animal  with  lip  torn  where  the  bridle  bit 
rests. 

Smoky  eye. — A  clouded  eye  with  whitish  appearance. 

Smooth  mouth. — An  aged  horse. 

Sound. — See  No.  i,  auction  rules. 

Speck  in  eye. — A  spot  on  the  eye  not  covering  the  pupil.  It  may 
or  may  not  impair  the  sight. 

Speedy  cutting. — Striking  the  inside  of  the  hind  cannon  against 
the  front  foot  as  the  hind  foot  is  brought  forward  and  passes  the 
front  foot  on  the  outside  in  over-reaching.  This  only  happens 
in  speedy  horses. 

Splay  footed. — Nigger  heeled. 

Splint. — A  bony  growth  on  the  cannon  bone  occurring  most 
often  on  the  front  legs  and  either  on  the  inside  or  out,  but  more 
often  on  the  inside. 

Stands  a  little  careless  in  front. — Knees  sprung  or  buck  kneed. 

Stringy. — String-halt.  A  convulsive  action  in  the  hind  legs 
flexing  either  one  or  both  up  with  a  jerk. 

Stump  sucker. — A  cribber. 

Sucker. — An  animal  with  some  defect  which  is  not  always  ap- 
parent. 

Szveeney.— Atrophied  shoulder  muscles  causing  a  depression. 

Thick  neck. — A  neck  too  thick  at  the  shoulder  for  a  collar  to 
fit  well. 

Thoroughpins. — Pufrmess  occurring  in  the  web  of  the  hock. 


136  BULLETIN  No.  122.  [January, 

Tongue  toiler. — Permitting  the  tongue  to  hang  out. 

Trephined. — A  hole  in  the  jaw  bored  for  removing  a  molar 
tooth. 

Trot  out  short. — Sore  in  front  having  a  short  stride. 

Wall-eye. — The  iris  a  pearly  white  color,  due  to  a  lack  of  pig- 
ment. Sometimes  called  glass-eye. 

Weaver. — Continual  swaying  back  and  forth  when  standing  in 
the  stall. 

Wind  and  work. — See  No.  3,  auction  rules. 

Wind  galls. — Puffs  occurring  at  the  upper  part  of  the  fetlock 
joints. 

Windy. — One  that  whistles  or  roars  when  exerted. 

Whistler. — Defective  in  wind.    See  windy. 

Winging. — Throwing  the  front  feet  out  or  in  when  traveling. 

Worker. — See  No.  4,  auction  rules. 

AUCTION  RULES.* 

(Note. — In  the  auction  ring  sales  are  made  under  certain  well 
understood  rules  which  are  published  and  are  announced  from  the 
auction  stand,  recorded  and  stand  as  a  guarantee.  The  following 
are  the  principal  rules  which  govern  sales  in  the  auction  ring.) 

1.  Sound. — Perfectly  sound  in  every  way. 

2.  Serzriceably  sound. — Virtually  a  sound  animal,  barring  slight 
blemishes  which  do  not  interfere  with  his  usefulness  in  any  way. 
His  wind  and  eyes  must  be  good,  but  a  spot  or  streak  in  the  eye 
which  does  not  affect  the  sight  will  be  considered  serviceably  sound 
as  long  as  the  pupil  of  the  eye  is  good.     He  must  not  be  lame  or 
sore  in  any  way. 

3.  Wind  and  Work. — The  only  guarantee  this  carries  with  it 
is  that  the  animal  has  good  wind  and  is  a  good  worker. 

4.  Work  only. — He  must  be  a  good  worker  and  everything 
else  goes  with  him.    No  other  guarantee  than  to  work. 

5.  Legs  go. — Everything  that  is  on  the  animal's  legs  go  with 
him;    nothing  is  guaranteed  except  that  he  must  not  be  lame  or 
crampy.     He  must,  however,  be  serviceably  sound  in  every  other 
respect. 

6.  At  the  halter. — Sold  just  as  he  stands  without  any  recom- 
mendations.    He  may  be  lame,  vicious,  balky,  kicker  or  anything 
else.    The  purchaser  takes  all  the  risk.    The  title  only  is  guaranteed. 

,  *Exceptions  to  the  above  rules  may  be  announced  from  the  auction  stand 
pointing  out  the  defects,  in  which  case  they  are  recorded  and  go  with  the  horse. 


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